Emma "Nelda" Rooks Williams

Emma "Nelda" Rooks Williams, 83, a cherished member of the Stapleton community, peacefully transitioned into her eternal Heavenly home Saturday morning, April 26, 2025, at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on January 17, 1942, Nelda was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. She attended grade school and middle school in Stapleton and graduated from Wrens High School in June of 1961. Shortly thereafter, in August 1961, she married the love of her life, Jimmy Williams.

Nelda dedicated herself to her work across various roles, starting as a committed employee of the Bank of Stapleton for 12 years. During this time, she often worked afternoons, late evenings and weekends in her husband’s cabinet shop, Williams Cabinets. Following her time at the bank, she devoted another 28 years to the cabinet shop, where she efficiently worked in all positions and handled numerous responsibilities including bookkeeping, invoicing, and managing bills.

Her faith was an integral part of her life. In 1969, Nelda accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior alongside her husband, Jimmy, when they joined Stapleton Baptist Church. They were both baptized shortly thereafter. As a true servant of the Lord, Nelda actively participated in church activities. She was a member of the Hostess Committee, cared for children in the nursery, taught children Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was involved with the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU).

Nelda was known for her loving and generous spirit, her patience and kindness, and her devotion as a mother who always put her family first. She loved to cook for family and friends, particularly renowned for her chocolate pies. Gardening was another of her passions, and she took delight in preserving vegetables from her garden. For over 30 years, Nelda enjoyed RVing, traveling extensively with her family and friends, and was an active member of the Holiday Rambler Club, attending many of their rallies. RVing presented the opportunity to meet people and make lasting friendships.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 63 years, Jimmy Williams, her daughter, Teresa Williams, along with her son-in-law, Doug; and her daughter-in-law, Lynn Williams. Nelda is also survived by her four grandchildren: Justin Williams and his wife Holly, Alyssa Williams, Meredith Dahm and her husband Jason, and Morgan Phillips and her husband Isaac; and her two great granddaughters, Hallie Dahm and Emma Grace Phillips.

Nelda is preceded in death by her beloved son, Tim Williams, as well as her parents, Mattie Lou Williams Rooks and Aaron Jeremiah Rooks. She is also reunited with her siblings, Kenneth Rooks, Sue Purvis, and Travis Rooks.

The family will greet friends at Stapleton Baptist Church from 1:00-3:00P.M. Wednesday afternoon, April 30, 2025. The Celebration of Life Service will commence at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Joshua Mosley and Rev. Tim Crosby officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Honored to be pallbearers include Justin Williams, Craig Davis, Harold Howard, Anthony Lamb, Donald Manning and Jimmy Prescott. Honorary pallbearers will be Rolph McDonald and the T.E.L. Sunday School Class.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center and the staff of Regency Hospice for their loving, compassionate and professional care.

The family respectfully suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to her beloved church—Stapleton Baptist Church, PO Box 146, Stapleton GA 30823.

Nelda’s humble servant heart, lived out as a testimony of her faith, and the warmth of her presence will be deeply missed.