Janet Williams

"Waiting for Jesus", Janet ("Jackie" to many of friends) passed peacefully on Sunday, March 1, 2026, nearly 98 years old. Born March 24, 1928 in Richmond Virginia, the only child of Cora Walton Kayser and William Flournoy Kayser, Janet was a lifelong resident of Fluvanna County, a passionate "Flying Fluco", living in her hometown of Columbia for 48 years, when the effects of Hurricane Agnes forced her family to move to Palmyra, her beloved community for the next 50 years of her life. From her ebullient Mother, a teacher /storyteller, widowed when Janet was only thirteen, she learned resilience, problem solving skills, independence, and the advice that was to follow her throughout life: "Be kind to everyone". Her quiet father, orphaned at a young age, knew little about his family history. Following a passion for ancestry, Janet, as an adult, went sleuthing with only tiny clues available, and without the help of online search services, discovered previously unknown family members in the Valley of Virginia.

A child of the Depression, life was nurturing in the small, community-spirited James River town of Columbia. As a little girl, she sang and "tap danced" on the radio, slid on the town's favorite playground, "Monkey Hill", and bemoaned her red hair and freckles. "They are God's gift to you," her Mother reminded. Friendships made lasted a lifetime.

Janet attended Fluvanna County High School (FCHS) during the war years, 1941-1945, then graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University) in 1949 with a teaching degree. She earned her Masters Degree in 1977 from the University of Virginia balancing life as a wife, mother, and teacher. Her career (teaching World History and PE) spanned 30 years, most of which were spent at FCHS. A brave lady(!), she also taught Driver's Ed to a complete generation of Fluvanna students. Other favorite responsibilities included coaching the softball team and chaperoning "sock hops" (Yes," socks only" on the gym floor). A delight of her life was staying in touch with former students, through "old-fashioned" ways of communication (letters and phone calls), and luncheons and home visits.

Beloved husband of nearly fifty years, John Otis Williams, Jr (1926-2000) predeceased her. Janet is survived by daughters Anne (Bob, also deceased) Daniel, Barbara (Glenn) Custis, and son John Kayser Williams, with whom she shared a passion for family ancestry. Grandsons Andrew Gordon Daniel, Jason Chandler Custis, and Father Timothy Graham Daniel, brought joy to her life as only grandchildren can do. Great-grandchildren Dylan Preston Daniel, and Caroline Elyse Custis embraced her as "GREAT Grandmom" and "Gigi". Time with extended Williams and "Walton-related" families over the years were treasured.

Life after retirement (and upon widowhood) found her busier than ever. An enthusiastic member of the County's DAR chapter, and especially the Fluvanna Historical Society, her special passion was sharing her experiences growing up in Columbia, often presenting with her lifelong friend, Mary Jo Shea. She loved working at Daffodil's (a florist) because "Flowers just bring smiles to faces, whatever the occasion". Tutoring struggling readers was a meaningful use of time, and countless drawings gracing her refrigerator reflected those children's love of time with her. She learned calligraphy, played bridge, continued to sketch, and was famous for baking and delivering muffins (usually pumpkin) to brighten the days of friends and neighbors everywhere. International travel found Janet in England with that same friend Mary Jo Shea, sharing an "adventure" (or "misadventure") where they needed the help of the American Embassy to return home! A later trip to Rome with family to visit with Seminarian grandson Tim was captured with her tiny camera ... hundreds of pictures to secure memories forever.

She maintained ties with Memorial Baptist, the church of her childhood in Columbia, visited special events with the congregation of St. John's Episcopal Church, also in Columbia, then found a welcoming home at Palmyra United Methodist Church. Her profound faith guided all aspects of her life.

Even as her own contemporaries passed away, Janet's friendships included "younger" friends, and their children, and their children's children. Her front porch in Palmyra was a gathering place for all, and during COVID ("the hardest time of my life") provided a safe space for conversations and relationships to continue.

In September 2025, as her health suffered setbacks, and living alone became unsustainable, Janet moved to live at Barbara's home near Richmond. Caregivers Jean Hughes, Jean Allen-Wright, Denise Wright, Gina Baker, and Rosa Piercy provided companionship and animated conversations, warm support that cannot be overstated. Janet even became an accomplished dominoes player during this time.

At life's end on this Earth, Janet said with certainty and peace, "I am waiting for Jesus". Her prayers, quietly whispered, were for family and friends who had given such beautiful meaning to her graceful life.

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Obituaries are written in the heart before they can make their way to the page.

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With profound gratitude to the third-floor staff at Chippenham Hospital, Richmond, Virginia for their warmth and attention to Janet's needs and dignity during her stay. You laughed with her and shared many hugs. You were charmed by her smiles. Affinity Hospice of Midlothian assured smooth and comfortable transitions for Janet and family.

A Memorial Service will be held for Janet at Palmyra United Methodist Church, Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's or Fluvanna's own "Caring for Creatures".