Jane Bell Williams

Jane Bell Williams (Neé Janie Durham Bell) was born in Asheville, NC, on June 8, 1926, to Hannah Baldwin Townsend (Hannah Townsend Bell) and Frank Durham Bell, Sr. passed away on June 27, 2023. She graduated from The University of Tennessee in 1947 and married Sumner McBee Williams in 1948 in Red Springs, NC.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, sisters Hannah (Pat) Bell Leverette and Ann Bell Johnson.  

Jane and Sumner built Camp High Rocks and directed it from 1958 until 1987. After Jane retired from camp, she devoted herself to her community. She helped found the Whitewater Cove Group Home and the Children’s Center of Transylvania County, was on the board of DSS and worked as a Guardian Ad Litem, volunteered with the Jail Ministry library program, served in St. Philips Episcopal Church outreach programs, tutored at El Centro and she served on the board of SAFE of Transylvania County. She loved her family, working with children, horses, dogs and traveling. 

She is survived by her children Virginia (Gina) C. Williams, David R. Williams (Margaret),

Elizabeth (Betsy) T. Williams (Chalmers Bruce), Patricia (Pat) B. Noland (Daniel), Nancy B. Williams (Duke), Townsend W. Birdsong (Henry), brothers Frank Durham Bell Jr. (Nancy), Edward Herndon Alexander Jr., and sister Nancy McLean Bell, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by caregivers Nawal Saadein and Billi Stoner and many friends.

A private graveside service for the family will be held in the family cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina-memo line Sumner Williams High Rocks Campership Fund, 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Ste., 300, Asheville, NC 28803, or Sharing House, 164 Duckworth Ave., Brevard, NC 28712.

To leave a condolence for the family of Jane Williams, visit “Tributes” at www.mooreblanchard.com.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to be caring for the family.