Zeannette R. Williams

Published 6:01 pm Monday, April 14, 2025

COURTLAND – Zeannette Roberts Williams, lovingly known as “Topsy” to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025, surrounded by her children.

Born in Annapolis, Maryland, Topsy was the daughter of the late Wilbur Irwin and Zeannette Krebs Roberts. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene W. Williams and their daughter, Beverly Hope Williams Guiles.

Topsy is survived by her daughter, Courtney Williams Glaze and husband, Scott of Leesburg

Zeannette R. Williams

, along with their daughter Tori and son-in-law Matt Legg and great-grandsons, Grayson, Finley and Everett. She is also survived by daughter, Jennifer Williams Roca of Alexandria and her two daughters, Isabella and Vivian; and by son, Gene Wesley “Wes” Williams Jr. and his wife Amy and their four daughters, Taylor, Madison, Morgan and Katelyn. She leaves behind her brother Bill Roberts and his wife Rhoda of Williamsburg, as well as her son-in-law Michael Guiles of Kitty Hawk. In addition to her immediate family, she is cherished by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends throughout the Southampton County and Franklin communities.

Topsy moved to Virginia as a child, first settling in Bedford County near extended family, and later in Southampton County as a teenager, where she was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, John and Edna Krebs. She graduated from Southampton High School and attended Ferrum College. Over the years, she worked as an accounts manager for her husband’s construction business and in the medical billing field. She later retired from the Virginia Department of Corrections as an administrative assistant, yet continued working part-time in finance at a local bank—always keeping herself busy and engaged.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Topsy was an active member of Courtland United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and participated in the United Methodist Women. Well into her 80s, she delivered Love Meals to community members. She was a devoted member and past president of the Courtland Junior Woman’s Club and took great joy in the Country Acres Garden Club. For over 40 years, she volunteered with the Southampton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Topsy loved cheering on her beloved Virginia Tech Hokies – whether from the stands or at home – and was an enthusiastic basketball fan. She lived life with energy and joy: volunteering at church and school, playing bridge, traveling, shopping, and most of all, spending time with her family and grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Nana T.”

A memorial service, led by Mike Harrington, will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, at Courtland Methodist Church, with a reception to follow.

Any donations may be made to the Gene Williams Memorial Scholarship at Southampton Academy, Courtland Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org