Nanetta J. Williams

Mother Nanetta J. “Momma Nan” Williams, 84, of Evansville, IN, passed away on September 30, 2025, with her daughter/caregiver, Vera Williams right by her side.

Nanetta was born January 11, 1941, in Henderson, KY, the daughter of Andrew Jackson and Benetta Havey Jackson. Nanetta graduated from Douglas High School in 1959.

Nanetta met Johnny Mac Rucker, and out of that relationship, one son was born, Kennen Eric Jackson. Nanetta married Thomas Lee Williams on June 3rd, 1967, in Henderson, KY. Out of that union, Terrance Patrick, Vera Denetria, Karla Michelle, Justin Bradley, and Cameron Alexander were born. Nanetta used to say, ”We didn’t live in Texas, but I sure grew them big”, talking about her children.

Nanetta started working at Bear Brand Hosiery Mill after high school in Henderson, KY. She left there and went to work at Sureway Market, where she worked in the bakery for several years. Nanetta took her cooking skills to Gibbs Die Cast and Aluminum as well as Ellis Park Racetrack. She also worked as a unit secretary at Community Methodist Hospital. Nanetta was a stay-at-home mom while taking care of her youngest set of children. Although she was a stay-at-home mom, that didn’t mean that she stayed at home. Nanetta became involved in her children’s school, monitoring the halls, popping popcorn, and selling apples. You name it, and Momma Nan was doing it for her children. Nanetta was on every PTA board at her children’s school. So, that meant that as one of her children, we couldn’t get into trouble because she was always at our school. Nanetta was a volunteer for CAPE Head Start, where she was known to hop on buses, wipe runny noses, or clean up children who may have had an accident, but most importantly, showed love and kindness to each child. Nanetta went on to become the Matron at the clothing bank, now known as Hangers, that was located at Washington Middle School. She took great pride in going to pick up donations for the clothing bank, and again, showed love and kindness to students who may have been uncomfortable coming there. Her passion for cooking called her once again to the kitchen, so Nanetta left the clothing bank and began cooking at the YCC and at Camp Reveal. As her health deteriorated and she suffered the loss of her firstborn son, she decided to retire. Nanetta received awards and recognition for her volunteer hours at Head Start and went to Kansas City, MO, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to represent Evansville at their national conventions. Nanetta received an award for her service as president of the PTA  that had written on it, “Hey Baby” because everyone who she encountered was her baby. Nanetta also served on the board of Directors for Echo and Greater St. James C-REC. As her children and grandchildren got into high school, Nanetta was the biggest cheerleader, often being seen at basketball games, football games, and band competitions, cheering for her babies. Nanetta would get up early in the morning during band sessions to help with snacks for the kids as well as to help fundraise, selling Bulldog bones at school and Polish sausages at the Fall Festival.

Nanetta especially loved cooking for her family, making everything homemade, including pies. cakes, rolls, and biscuits. You name it, she cooked it. Nanetta also had a passion for BBQing every Saturday. You could always see her backyard full of smoke and delicious smells coming from the grill. She also loved to sew and crochet as well as travel.

Nanetta confessed her faith and was baptized at an early age by the late Reverend JR Ellis at First Missionary Baptist church in Henderson, KY. Nanetta left First Missionary Baptist church and united with Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where the late Rev Walker pastored for many years. Nanetta sang in the choir as well as raised money for the church, selling chicken dinners, and her famous homemade yeast rolls. Nanetta moved to Evansville, IN, with her husband and family and united with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist under the late Reverend Willis Cheaney. She later united with Greater St. James Missionary Baptist church under the late Reverend Douglas Smith. There, Nanetta served as Church Clerk, Kitchen Chairperson, President of the Mother’s Board, and Sunday School Secretary, as well as working Vacation Bible Schools and New Year's Eve lock-ins with the youth. Nanetta was a faithful member for over 40 years. For the past 4 years Nanetta has been a member at Greater Hope Christian Church under Dr. JC Campbell, where she was recently appointed to the Mother’s Board, serving proudly until her death.

Favorite memories of Nanetta were that she didn’t meet a stranger. Anywhere she went, people were drawn to her spirit and kindness. Her famous words were “Hey baby”, “You all right”, and “Won’t he do it” talking about the goodness of God. Nanetta had 6 of her own children; however, she raised half of the children in the tri-state area, especially in Henderson, KY, and Evansville, IN.

Preceding Nanetta in death are Nanetta’s sons; Kennen Eric Jackson and Terrance Patrick Williams; Nanetta’s parents, Benetta Havey Jackson and Andrew Jackson; Nanetta’s brother, Donald Shanklin.

Left to cherish Nanetta’s legacy are two daughters, Vera Denetria Williams, and Karla Michelle Williams; two sons, Justin Bradley Williams and Cameron Alexander Williams; 3 grandchildren, Venetria Williams, Monique Norris and Kameron Alexander Williams; 6 great-grandchildren, K’Drian, Kavion, and Khalil Massey, Zaedrick, Jeremiah, and Z’Lin Supreme; sisters-in-love, Vicky Murphy, Mary Williams, Kathy Williams, and Joyce Darrett; brothers-in-love, Gary and Timothy Williams; sisters in Christ, Elizabeth Thomas, Myra Lowery, Juanita Smith, Patty D, and Beatrice Jonigan; bonus daughters, Darlene Marshall-Ware and Valarie Calhoun; long-time classmates, Judy Burris and Babe Yates, “BY” Norris along with a host of nieces and nephews. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice staff, Kayleigh her nurse; Lee her nurse-aide; music therapist Courtney; massage therapist Lori; and social workers, Ashley and Todd; Friends and Family staff, Angie and Cindy as well as former staff Erika, who all assisted with mom being able to live at home and not at a facility. Thank you to Crissy who made sure that mom’s nails were on point, and all it cost her was a hug.