Elizabeth Williams Nall

Elizabeth Williams Nall

Elizabeth Williams Nall, affectionally known to many as Dr. Liz, passed away peacefully at home on June 19, 2025, just three days before her 99th birthday.

Born in Iowa on June 22, 1926, Elizabeth’s family returned to Michigan when she was two years old, and she proudly carried her identity as a Michigander for the rest of her long, full life.

A child of the Great Depression, Elizabeth witnessed nearly a century of remarkable change—living from the dawn of radio and television to the age of computers and streaming. Throughout it all, she remained endlessly curious, engaged, and hungry to learn.

Elizabeth earned three degrees from Michigan State University, where she became both a pioneer and a trailblazer. She received her B.A. in History and Political Science in 1944, her M.A. in Sociology, Anthropology, and Statistics in 1956, and in 1976, her Ph.D. with emphases in statistics, social physiology, and gender roles. At a time when women faced tremendous barriers in academia, she not only excelled but also made space for others, becoming one of the first to work with mainframe computers at MSU and mastering FORTRAN, one of the earliest programming languages.

Her professional legacy is extensive. She taught and consulted at multiple universities, published widely in her fields, and championed women’s rights throughout her career. In 1972, she co-founded The Women’s Center, Inc., in Carbondale, Illinois, one of the earliest shelters and advocacy organizations of its kind. Through her writing, teaching, and activism, Elizabeth inspired generations to challenge injustice and think critically about the world.

Beyond her professional achievements, Elizabeth lived life vibrantly and fully. She was a voracious reader, an art quilter with a love for bold, colorful fabrics, a woman who delighted in plants and dogs, and a self-proclaimed chocoholic. Her daily “Journall” blog connected Dr. Liz to friends far and wide, where she shared insights, humor, and reflections in her unmistakable voice. A lover of board games, she was famous among her grandchildren for being unbeatable at Scrabble and endlessly inventive in turning learning into fun.

Elizabeth’s faith was an important part of her journey. She was a member of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where she found community and purpose. She gave her time to the church’s food pantry, joined in study groups and Sunday School, and enriched discussions with her incisive questions, wit, and intellect. Friends and fellow members cherished her presence, recalling her humor, colorful style, deep compassion, and fearless voice.

She leaves behind a legacy of brilliance, resilience, curiosity, and love. Those who knew her speak of her “incisive mind,” her “fearless spirit,” and her “earthy laugh.” To her family, she was both an anchor and an inspiration. To her community, she was a bright flame of wisdom and courage. To all, she was unforgettable.

As one friend said, “Walking into Sunday School and seeing her there, the room energy and discussion went from 60 watts to 100.” Another remarked, “She made me laugh and she made me think. I’ll always be thankful for that.”

Elizabeth lived unapologetically, loved fiercely, and never stopped searching, questioning, or imagining. Her life was a testament to the beauty of curiosity, the power of intellect, and the strength of conviction.

To honor her memory, and in recognition of her love for animals, the family asks that contributions be made to a dog rescue, shelter, or local animal services organization. Elizabeth adored all dogs especially her own, and they brought her endless joy.

Though we will miss her sharp wit, her fearless insight, and her joyful laughter, we give thanks for her extraordinary life. As one friend put it, “The Spartans lost a true fan, and we lost a true original.”

She was preceded in death by her parents and by two children from her first marriage to Billy Williams, Steven Williams and Elizabeth “Libby” Williams. She is survived by her daughter, Martha Reynolds-Jolicoeur of Arlington, Texas; her sister, Persis Graf of Grosse Pointe, Michigan; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and countless friends, students, and colleagues who were deeply shaped by her wisdom, wit, and generosity of spirit.

Elizabeth’s memory will forever be a blessing.