Mrs. Mary Nance

Mrs. Mary Williams Nance, of 102 Charlie Lee Circle, Cordele, Georgia, died Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia. The burial will follow at the Mount Olive Church Cemetery in Warwick, Georgia.

Mrs. Mary Lou Williams Nance was born on October 28, 1941, in Americus, Georgia, to the late Mr. Herbert Williams, Sr. and the late Mrs. Jannie Mae Williams. She graduated from J. W. Holley High School in Sylvester, Worth County, Georgia.

On December 23, 1959, Mary married the love of her life, Mr. Arthur James Nance, Sr., who affectionately called her “His Mary.” They shared 56 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on March 3, 2016. Together, they built a lasting legacy of love through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the family they held so dear.

After moving to Jacksonville, Florida, Mary united with Moncrief Baptist Church, where she served as a choir member and deaconess. Following her husband’s retirement, they returned to Cordele, Georgia, where she attended Mount Olive Baptist Church. Attending church and sharing in worship and fellowship remained cherished parts of her life.

Mary devoted her life to loving and caring for her family. As a homemaker, she created a home filled with warmth and love. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, typing, walking, and working crossword puzzles. Above all, she cherished her family and extended that same love to those around her. Loving on others was a beautiful part of who she was. Her faith was reflected in her favorite saying: “God will take care of His children.”

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Mary departed this life, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love that will continue through generations.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Herbert Williams, Sr. and Mrs. Jannie Mae Williams; her beloved husband, Mr. Arthur James Nance, Sr.; her two sons, Mr. James Ernest Nance and Mr. Arthur James Nance, Jr.; and her siblings, Mr. Herbert Williams, Jr., Mr. Grady Williams, Mrs. Maddie Williams Rockwell, Mrs. Margaret Williams Edwards, Mrs. Dorothy Williams Walker, Mrs. Betty Williams Raines, Mrs. Nadine Williams Ford, and Mrs. Marilyn Williams Johnson.

Cherished memories of her life will forever remain with her loving children: Ms. Marian J. Nance; Mrs. Lora A. Glover (Paul); Ms. Mary L. Nance; Mr. Marvin D. Nance (Nickole); Mrs. Angela D. Nance-Hall (Alonzo); and Mrs. Tina D. Nance-Haugabrook (Andrew), all of Jacksonville, Florida; and Mr. Melvin E. Nance of Cordele, Georgia.

She also leaves to cherish her memory 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her loving sister, Ms. Ethel Atkins of Arabi, Georgia; her loving brother, Mr. David Williams (Dorothy) of Cordele, Georgia; her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Earnestine Davis (Wesley), Mrs. Betty Ann Smothers (MC), and Mrs. Shirley Long (Curtis); her brother-in-law, Mr. Garfield Richardson, Jr.; her loving godchildren; and a host of precious nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.