Velma Jeanette Williams

CENTRAL CITY – Former Public Health Director, Velma “Jeanette” Williams, died surrounded by her family on Friday, January 9, 2015. Jeanette is mourned by her husband, Jackie, their family and friends, and a great many members of the community. Jeanette was a loving wife, mother, and friend to all. She exhibited true and appropriate leadership during her 29 years with the Muhlenberg County Health Department. Jeanette was instrumental in creating much of what the health department recipients recognize today as the health care touch. She was dedicated to the health and welfare of Muhlenberg County and beyond. Friends and relatives say Jeanette Williams’s leadership style wasn’t overly ambitious and she certainly wasn’t power hungry. She wasn’t about publicity and she disliked talking about herself. She had a can-do attitude that spilled over into every aspect of her life. Jeanette’s real calling involved serving the public in many capacities whether it was on a council, the PTA, a board, committee, or a task force. She was always generous with her time and resources. She believed in giving back and touching every life in a way that would make a difference. Strong in will and commitment, Jeanette worked diligently to help the underserved through education, resources, involvement, and government relations related to public health. Jeanette was born in Muhlenberg County on March 17, 1946. Raised in Central City, she graduated from Central City High School and continued her education at Spencerian College, receiving her degree in Medical Secretarial. The majority of Jeanette’s career was spent at the Muhlenberg County Health Department where she served as the Public Health Director. Since July 30, 1966, Jeanette was happily married to Jackie Williams. At home, Jeanette enjoyed her time with her sons, Mickey and Jeff, camping, reading, and cooking. She enjoyed playing with her great-nephews and great-nieces, and was affectionately known as Aunt Nennie/Uncle Nennie. Velma “Jeanette” Williams is survived by her husband, Jackie Gilbert Williams; her son Mickey Harold Williams (fiancee’ Natalie Whitaker and her son Aidan); two brothers, Robert G. Lile and Phillip A. Lile (Carolyn); a sister, Evelyn L. Lovell (Bill); a sister-in-law, Ruth Lile; eight nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and extended family Tabby Hendrix. She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Bryant Williams; her parents, Granville and Velma Lile; a brother, John E. Lile; a sister, Patricia S. Travis; two nephews, John Toll and Bradley Toll; a sister-in-law, Erma Lile; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gilbert and Bernice Williams. There will be a private family memorial services in her honor on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Rev. Jim Winters and Rev. Ron Doss presiding over the service. Burial in Fairmount Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Gideons International, P.O. Box 241, Livermore, KY 42352. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.