Lucy “Nell” Bass Williams was born to Pearl Evans Bass and Sam J. Bass in Fordyce, Arkansas, on August 9, 1922. As the baby of the family she had two older brothers, Sam and Doug, and was the apple of her father’s eye. Nell’s mother passed away in 1935 and when her father married Birdie Bass, she gained two sisters, Betty and Peggy. Nell graduated from high school in Hopeville, Arkansas.
She married Houston P. Williams, Sr., on September 14, 1940. On December 15, 1943, their son, Houston Philmore “Phil” Williams, Jr., was born. The family moved to Mauriceville, Texas, to open Texla Lumber Company with the Williams brothers and their father Buck Williams.
Nell was a prayer warrior and prayed fervently for her family and friends. She studied God’s Word daily and loved to listen to her favorite pastors on TV. Nell taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Mauriceville for 50 years, teaching Sunbeams, GA’s, and the young married women. Nell was a devoted mother, wife, and homemaker. She was an accomplished artist and loved china painting and needle work. She and Houston loved to hunt, fish, and travel in their RV with family and friends. Following the death of her husband, Nell moved to the family ranch in Montell, Texas, to be close to Phil and his family. Nell taught the ladies’ Sunday school class at First Baptist Church of Camp Wood and could usually be found in a rear pew on the piano side on Sunday mornings.
Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Houston; her mother, Pearl Bass; her father, Sam Bass, Sr.; her brothers, Sam, Jr. and Doug Bass; and her nephew, Bernie Douglas Bass. She is survived by her son, Phil Williams and his wife Frances; her grandchildren, Shelli and (John) Carnes, Luci and (Greg) Harmon, Trey and (Becky) Williams; her great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emily, and Zoe Carnes; Ashley, Wesley, and Jacob Harmon; and Landrie, Madison, and Houston Williams; her sister, Betty Tettleton; numerous nieces and nephews; many friends, and her beloved dog, Bitsy. Nell died peacefully in her sleep at 1 am Tuesday, September 11 and her body will be laid to rest next to her loving husband of 57 years in Nacogdoches Sunset Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas; but her soul is dancing with Jesus.
Visitation will be at Rushing Estes Knowles Funeral Home in Uvalde on Thursday, 9/13 from 5-9
Funeral will be at First Baptist Church in Camp Wood on Friday 9/14 at 11
Graveside service will be at Nacogdoches Sunset Cemetery on Saturday 9/15 at 3
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