Noland Cornelius Williams

Noland Cornelius Williams

November 8, 1955 – December 10, 2025

Noland Cornelius Williams was born on November 8, 1955, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the late Dr. Cornelius A. Williams and Annie Laura Williams. He transitioned from this life on December 10, 2025, having left behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love for family and community.

Noland received his early education at Rock Creek Palisades School, Newport Junior High School, and Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, Maryland. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Purdue University and a graduate degree in City and Regional Planning from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.

Throughout his career, Noland remained committed to public service, community development, and economic empowerment. He started his career as a consultant in housing and transportation planning before joining the Tennessee Valley Authority in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. There, he designed and implemented economic and community development projects across the Tennessee Valley, working with many underserved communities to create greater opportunity and stability.

Later in his career, he held such positions as State Specialist for Community and Economic Development and Associate Extension Administrator at Kentucky State University. He offered statewide educational programming and technical assistance, and played an integral part in the startup of the City of Frankfort's recycling program. He played a key role in guiding the development of the program, while also supporting grant initiatives that raised the profile and effectiveness of the university's Cooperative Extension Program.

Noland served on multiple professional committees, including the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, Cooperative Extension Service Strategic Planning Committee, Personnel and Development Committee, and Program Leadership Committee. His leadership and dedication were recognized with numerous honors, including the Tennessee Valley Authority Honor Award, Kentucky State University Certificate of Appreciation, AEA/ARD Conference Leadership Award, and recognition from the Association of Extension Administrators for Outstanding Leadership and Exemplary Service. He also served as Chair of the Association of 1890 Extension Administrators and contributed to USDA-CSREES partnerships at the state, regional, and national levels. Noland was also twice published in the Alabama Academy of Science Journal for his research on alternative methods of solid waste disposal and the use of farmland in the Tennessee Valley.

He was a member of the Association of Extension Administrators, the Alabama Academy of Science, the Kentucky Academy of Science, the Florence Exchange Club, and the West Frankfort Optimist Club.

More than his titles or any accolades he received, though, Noland was known for his warmth, humor, and steadfast kindness. At the heart of everything he did was his unwavering faith and deep dedication to the Lord. He lived his life guided by his beliefs, often showing his love for God through his actions, compassion, and the way he treated others. Never meeting a stranger, he had a special gift for making others feel welcomed, seen, and appreciated. Always with a witty joke, he would lighten rooms everywhere he went. Family was everything to him. He loved nothing more than time spent with his loved ones and church community. He especially cherished being near the water, whether fishing at

lakes and creeks or relaxing on the beach. Noland also loved to travel and experience new places. He was a dedicated Alabama sports fan, and everyone knew not to call during a game.

Noland met his wife, Wyvette, while working at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Together they built a life based on love, faith, and family. He was an active member of Imani Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky, under the leadership of Rev. Willis G. Polk I, where he sang in the male choir. He later joined Immanuel Baptist Church in Frankfort, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Cornelius A. Williams and Annie Laura Williams; and one sister, Linda Brown. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Mrs. Wyvette Williams; daughter, Dr. Monica Valentine (Dre), Frankfort, Kentucky; son, Noland Ryan Williams, Frankfort, Kentucky; daughter, Alyson Williams Wingate (Demetrius), Louisville, Kentucky; brother, Ronald L. Williams, Hillsboro, Alabama; five grandchildren, Treyvon Jackson, Jacob Valentine, Tyler Valentine, Jaylen Williams, and Aliyah Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Clark Legacy Center, 3000 Versailles Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601. An additional viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Collins Lane, Frankfort, KY 40601.