Linda Nell Williams Nelson, 76, passed away at home on June 18, 2026, surrounded by her family. Linda was born on August 28, 1949, in Huntsville, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, William Leslie Nelson, her father, Robert Vaughan Williams, and her mother, Nancy Sanford Williams Ludwig. She is survived by her children: Gayle Nelson Brown (Jason) and Leslianna Nelson Garlington (Andy); and her grandchildren: Nancy Grace Brown, Nelson Truett Brown, Gray Evelyn Garlington, and Eli Bain Garlington. She is also survived by her sister, Leigh Williams Houlder (the late Steve Houlder), her brothers, Robert V. Williams (Susan) and John H. Williams (Lesa), and her brothers-in-law, Stanley T. Nelson and John J. Nelson IV (Sandi), as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend J.R. Johnson.
After graduating from Athens High School in 1967, Linda received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Auburn University in 1970. She later received her Master of Arts in Elementary Education in 1979. She was a devoted educator for 30 ½ years with the majority of those years at Julian Newman Elementary School.
Linda was passionate about historical preservation and genealogy. She was the president of the Limestone County Historical Society and enjoyed contributing to the Limestone Legacy publication and the yearly Christmas ornament. She was a diligent coordinator of the AHS Class of 1967 updates, lunches, and reunions. She loved history, trivia, and flowers. She was deeply devoted to her Christian faith, her family, and her many friends. But her most cherished role was as Mimi to her grandchildren.
On Monday, June 22, 2026, visitation will be held from 9:00-10:45 am, with a celebration of life to follow at 11:00 am at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will be at Athens City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Limestone County Historical Society and Hospice of Limestone County.
