Nadara Williams

May 9, 1945 -

Jul 9, 2024

Nadara Nadine Williams, age 79, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie and friend, left this earth to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Anchorage, Alaska.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at the Susitna Brewing Co., 5120 S. Big Lake Road in Big Lake, Alaska, from 12-3 p.m.

Nadara was born in Anchorage on May 9, 1945. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wayne Allen Williams; daughter, Susan Nadine Ribelin; nephew, Murray Brett Martin; and parents, Laron Pratt Martin and Mercedes Marie Martin.

She leaves behind family and friends who love and miss her, including her brother, Laron P. (Julie) Martin of Petersburg, Alaska; daughter, Deborah (John) Bitney of Big Lake; son, Laron (Kaylee) Williams of Quilcene Wash.; son, Martin B. Williams of Lynnwood, Wash.; grandchildren, Katelyn (Caleb) Presson, Joshua Richter, Triston (Megan) Williams, Hannah Williams, Baron Williams and Tiger Williams; great-grandchildren, Kylie Maki, Killian Presson, Joey Williams and Salem Beck; niece, Christina (Eric) Wyatt; great-nieces, Samantha Wyatt and Danielle Wyatt; and her very best friend of 65 years, Nancy Verlinde.

Nadara made a professional career in banking, insurance and law. She felt blessed to marry the love of her life, Wayne Williams, in 1977. They lived in Eagle River, Alaska, until they both retired in 1992, and moved to Eureka Springs, Ark. They built their dream home on their Whispering Wing's Ranch near the King's River and lived there for many years enjoying gardening and raising livestock and pets while finding joy with each other's companionship. There they helped found and became leaders in the newly formed Green Forest Cowboy Church, where they worshiped and forged many meaningful dear friendships.

In 2015, they decided to leave the ranch life and relocate to the small town of Berryville, Ark.

In 2021, four years after Wayne's passing, she moved back to Alaska to be with family in Big Lake and began attending services at Big Lake Baptist Church and cherished many new friendships.

Faith was a hallmark of Nadara's life as she practiced and believed in the power of love and forgiveness. Nadara's genuinely warm, friendly, kind and generous spirit earned her the nickname Gracie. She and her hugs are dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

Those closest to her continue to be in her presence through the beauty of nature, rainbows, birds, flowers, lakes and the sky.

Donations in Nadara's memory can be made to Green Forest Cowboy Church, 687 Hwy 103 N. Green Forest, AR 72638; or to the Big Lake Baptist Church, 10864 W. Parks Highway, Big Lake, AK 99652.