Nellie Joyce Williams Senkbeil

DOERUN, GA - Nellie Joyce Williams Senkbeil, age 89, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at her home in Doerun.

A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Doerun, with Reverend Dr. David Benton officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Doerun City Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather beforehand from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at First Baptist Church to pay their respects and share memories.

Honoring her as pallbearers will be Darren Hembree, Hayden Hembree, Landon Hembree, Diego Brochu-Senkbeil, Tyler Cook, and Tanner Cook.

Born on June 15, 1935, in Doerun, Nellie was the devoted daughter of the late Freddie Lee Williams and Nellie Dismuke Williams, and the great-granddaughter of the Rev. W.W. Williams, the founder of Doerun. Nellie loved her Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Doerun. She returned to her beloved hometown with her husband after his retirement, pouring her love into the careful renovation of her childhood home from the 1890s. Here, she also supported her mother-in-law Hazel Senkbeil’s independence, caring for her over the span of two decades.

Nellie was gifted in the arts, creating beautiful stained glass pieces for her home, a lasting testament to her creativity. An avid traveler, she journeyed to all 50 states with her husband and to France, as well as enjoyed frequent visits to Maine to see her daughter and grandson. Her family remembers her vibrant personality, colorful storytelling, playful nature, and mischievous smile.

In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her siblings, Jeanette Williams, Freddie Lee Williams, Jr., Willie Joe Williams, and Mildred Crowell.

Nellie is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Don Senkbeil; her daughter, Donna Senkbeil; her grandson, Diego Brochu-Senkbeil; as well as a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were blessed by her warmth and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to two of Nellie’s favorite charities, The Nature Conservancy and Feeding America, in her memory.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cobb Funeral Chapel.