Llwanda Marie “Lou” Williams, 94, died in Charlottesville, VA, on September 18, 2023. She was born on May 23, 1929,
in Vandergrift, Pa., the only child of the late Marie Townsend and E. Paul Knepshield.
She grew up in Vandergrift, attended Washington Township High School, and then Westminster College in Pennsylvania.
She graduated in 1952 with a degree in education. Lou was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority. She later helped
establish Delta Zeta at the University of Virginia by finding, purchasing, and outfitting their sorority house, and serving as
their chapter director for more than a decade.
While attending a “sock hop” at Westminster, she met and later married her husband of 68 years, D.Alan Williams. After
graduating, they worked together to allowAlan to earn his Ph.D. in American History from Northwestern University. Lou
was a beloved first grade teacher for nearly thirty years, including nineteen years at St. Anne's-Belfield School. Many
students knew her as “The Tooth Fairy” because she often helped them part ways with their baby teeth.
Lou and Alan came to the University of Virginia in 1957, where Alan taught courses in Early American and Virginia
history for 43 years. For over thirty years, Alan represented the University as the Faculty Athletics Representative to the
Atlantic Coast Conference and the National Collegiate AthleticsAssociation. During this time, Lou and Alan attended
many conferences and sporting events, and made terrific friendships that lasted the rest of their lives.
Alifelong Presbyterian, Lou was a devoted member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church since 1957. She taught first
grade Sunday school and summer bible study. She and Alan hosted international students through UVA. Lou was active in
the Children’s Theater program. She was an adult reading tutor, served on the board of Ronald McDonald House, and
shared many happy years with her friends in the UVAWomen’s Club.
In retirement, Lou and Alan toured the world, being fortunate to visit over 55 countries. Devoted Wahoos, they could often
be found cheering loudly at Cavalier basketball and football games. Avoracious reader, she consumed hundreds of books
on her electronic reader. In later years, they were morning regulars at The Villa Diner where she savored the “Super Big
Complete Breakfast”.
Lou is survived by her three sons, Scott Williams of Tucson, Ariz., and his wife, Amy, Todd Williams of Charlottesville,
Va., and Kevin Williams of Frederick, Md., and his wife, Jennifer. She was also blessed with four beloved granddaughters
"the four cousins," Holly Williams, Meg Williams, and Rachel Williams and Hannah Flores; and three great-
grandchildren, Ryleigh Miller Flores, CooperAlan Flores, and Caroline Grace Flores. Her loving sister in-law, Jeannette
Williams of Boardman, Ohio also survives her.
She was a shining example of how to live life well. Lou was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law. She
made each member of her family feel special. She was smart, creative, funny, and caring. She was quick to smile and
generous with her hugs. It was always a treat to spend time with her.
The Williams family expresses thanks to the staff of The Colonnades, where Mom and Dad lived happily for many
years. They also extend their sincerest gratitude to Teresa St. Germain and her team at Attentive Quality Care for the
dedicated and loving care they provided their mother.
Acelebration of life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may
be made to the D.A. and L.K. Williams Scholarship Fund at Westminster College at
https://www.westminster.edu/alumni/give.cfm. This scholarship benefits students who strive to be teachers. To Lou and
Alan, there was no more important or rewarding career path that a student could choose.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.