Nan Hudson Williams , born on February 10, 1953, in Hot Springs, Virginia, was the fifth of seven children born to Florine Morris Hudson and Sterling Henry Hudson, Jr.  She was quietly called home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2024.  Nan is predeceased by her mother, father and her sister Chiquita Hudson.

Nan met the love of her life, Robert Lee Williams, Sr., during their early college years through a mutual connection—one of his friends who was dating Nan's sister.  Their courtship blossomed while Nan was studying at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in Petersburg and Robert was at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University).  They were married on August 6, 1982, in Williamsburg, VA. Their marriage was blessed with two God-fearing, devoted and loving sons, Robert Lee Williams, Jr. and Jason Hudson Williams.  Together, they built a happy, busy, and God-centered family life.

Their greatest joy came from their sons, who blessed Robert and Nan with a daughter-in-love Courtney Williams and granddaughters Hailey Madisen and Arrow Charlee.  Nan embraced her role as "GG" with a fervor and dedication.  Whenever "GG" and "Papa" were with their little Williams girls, you witnessed the very essence of love.

Nan had a deep passion for learning from a young age, which inspired her to pursue a career in teaching.  She excelled academically throughout her time in the Hampton Public School System, graduating with honors from Kecoughtan High School.  Nan continued her education at Norfolk State (now Norfolk State University) for one year before transferring to Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), where she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  Her dedication to education led her to further her studies, culminating in a master's degree in education from The College of William and Mary.

Nan's unwavering passion for education and her genuine love for nurturing young minds shone brightly throughout her career.  After graduating college, she began her first teaching job as a kindergarten teacher in the Newport News Public School System, where she dedicated 20 years to fostering early childhood learning.  Her exceptional commitment was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year in 1991 at Watkins Elementary School.

Following her time in the classroom, Nan transitioned to educational administration, serving as the longest-standing Principal of Calvary Christian Academy in Hampton, Virginia.  Her vision for students was to instill self-worth, encourage wise decision-making, and inspire them to excel, impact their communities, and become agents of change.  Over her 16-year tenure, she played a pivotal role in increasing school enrollment, exemplified discipline and dedication, and served as a cherished role model for both staff and students until 2014.  Nan also extended her leadership beyond the walls of the academy, serving on several boards, including Healthy Families, Preschool Partners, and Tidewater Association of Early Childhood Education.

Nan's divine gift for teaching eventually brought her back to the Hampton Public School System, where she took on a teaching role for 3k and 4k students before holding the position of Reading Specialist.  There, she used her exceptional talents to support the most vulnerable students, ensuring they did not fall behind.  Throughout her distinguished career, Nan earned numerous accolades for her superior teaching and her ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.  She was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award once again for the 2018-2019 school year.

Nan knew and loved the Lord.  For nearly 30 years, she was an active and devoted member of Calvary Community Church in Hampton, Virginia.  She served faithfully on the head ministerial team and took on leadership roles in the Prayer Ministry and Women of Worth & Worship ministry.  Nan was also an integral part of the Executive Administrative Council, contributing significantly to the church's mission and community.

Nan was truly a blessing to everyone she encountered.  She will be fondly remembered for her steadfast faith, gentle kindness, loving spirit, strength of character, and delightful sense of humor.  She embodied the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman—virtuous, capable, and more precious than jewels.  As Proverbs 31:29-30 says, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Nan's memory will be cherished by her loving husband, Robert Williams, Sr.; her beloved sons Robert Williams, Jr. (Courtney) and Jason Williams; and her granddaughters that she adored, Hailey and Arrow Williams; her brothers Sterling Hudson, III (Cheryl), Morris Hudson (Debra), and Geoffrey Hudson (Michelle); her sisters Chanda Hamilton and Sonya Davis; her brothers-in-law Jasper Williams (Jennifer) and Dennis Williams (Diane); and her sisters-in-law Mary Middlebrooks (Walter), Annie Williams, and Evangelyn Williams; her bonus mother, Vivian Walker and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family. Her legacy lives on through her colleagues, former students, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Calvary Community Church (C3); 2311 Tower Place Hampton, VA.