Williams, Dorothea Medley
With profound love and gratitude for a life well lived, our family announces the passing of our beloved Dorothea Williams (Nanny), who left this world peacefully at the age of 96 on December 4, 2025. Born in Kire, VA, on July 3, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Walter Kent Medley and Nellie Porterfield Medley. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the heart of our family, she was a constant source of comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love.
Nanny lived a long and beautiful life, marked by resilience, kindness, and a gentle strength that inspired everyone who knew her. She had an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen and cared for, whether through her warm hugs, her thoughtful prayers, or the simple joy she found in being surrounded by family. Her stories, her laughter, and the traditions she lovingly passed down will remain forever woven into our hearts.
She leaves behind a legacy of love – one built through decades of nurturing, guiding, and supporting her family. Though we will miss her deeply, we find peace in knowing that her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught us and the memories we will carry forward.
Dorothea was preceded in death by her husband of 73.5 years, Charles (Buck) Williams; parents, Walter Kent Medley and Nellie Porterfield Medley; siblings, Lucille Weikle, Leon Medley, Eugene Medley, Goldie Jones, and Pauline Woods. She is survived by two daughters, Sandra Allen and husband Jim, and Linda Ray and husband Jr.; grandchildren, Aaron Ray and wife Paula, Alan Ray and wife Angela, Josh Ray, Logan Ray and wife Tiffany, Rodney Allen and Peggy, Heather Allen, Kaneetha Davis and husband Jeff; as well as several great and great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to several special caregivers that were like family to our Nanny. Connie Wilson, Christy Wilson, Shawnitta Huffman, Paula Ray, Sherie Widdoes, Angel Belcher, Charlotte Biddle, and Nell Dumont. We are also so thankful for the care provided by the staff of Dr. Stephen Miller, and Hospice of Lewisburg, WV.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, WV, with Pastor Matt Sauvage and Pastor Jim Wentz officiating. Burial will follow at the Peterstown Cemetery in Rich Creek, VA. Visitation will be from 1pm until time for services on Sunday at the funeral home.
Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com. Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown, WV.
