Remembering Dr . Nell K . Williams , The Mother of Life U
Life University is still mourning the passing of Dr . Nell K . Williams , chiropractor , cofounder of Life University and the wife of the late founder and first president of LIFE , Dr . Sid E . Williams . Dr . Nell passed away on Friday , August 16 , 2019 .
Dr . Nell was a graduate of Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk , North Carolina ( 1947 ) and subsequently Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport , Iowa ( 1956 ). In 1956 , Drs . Sid and Nell Williams moved to Austell , Georgia where they set up their first chiropractic office . Soon after , the couple had opened and managed more than 20 clinics in the metro Atlanta area . In 1974 , she and Dr . Sid founded Life Chiropractic College , which later became Life University , and eventually grew it into the largest chiropractic college in the world .
Dr . Nell was a staple in the metro Atlanta community and a staunch advocate for the chiropractic profession . She was a member of numerous city and chiropractic organizations and was honored with multiple awards for her service , including :
• “ Woman of Achievement Award ”: Presented to Dr . Nell by the Fulton / DeKalb Chapter of the Business & Professional Women in 1978 – 79 in recognition of her outstanding community efforts .
• “ Distinguished Fellow of the International Chiropractors Association Award ”: Presented to Dr . Nell in 1980 for her outstanding service to this international organization .
• “ Woman Chiropractor of the Year Award ”: Presented to Dr . Nell by her alma mater , Palmer College of Chiropractic , in 1981 in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to her profession .
• “ Woman of the Decade Award ”: Presented to Dr . Nell by the International Chiropractors Association for her lifelong dedication to the organization and the chiropractic profession .
• “ WALL OF TOLERANCE AWARD :” Presented to Dr . Nell by the National Campaign for Tolerance signed by Rosa Parks .
Dr . Nell also served as Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs for Life University until she retired in 2002 . Dr . Nell was married to Dr . Sid E . Williams for more than sixty years . Their two children , Dr . Kimbrough Williams and Dr . John Sidney Williams , are both graduates of Life University .
Life University wishes to extend sincere condolences to the Williams family and their loved ones at this difficult time and ask that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers .
From Chancellor Dr . Guy Riekeman
“ Dr . Nell was a powerful woman during a time when women weren ’ t supposed to be such . Her name is etched in our minds and our history along with women who were so significant to the development of Chiropractic that they were known simply by their first names , Mabel , Ruth and , of course , Nell . She was never in Sid ’ s shadow , but rather , always pushed him into the limelight — maybe because he required it , but more likely because she loved him and never walked behind him or in front of him , but always , in purpose and spirit , they walked shoulder to shoulder . Regardless , she held a deep and uncompromising passion for and commitment to Chiropractic and , above all , to Life University .
“ We have a place reserved to hold Nell ’ s remains , to bring her back home next to Dr . Sid ’ s eternal flame , so as future generations of students and “ seekers of purpose ” come to Life U , they can watch and participate , by their principled examples and their huge personalities , in the development of future generations of chiropracTORS . The University will always acknowledge her as the Mother of Life U and will always be waiting for her with open , loving arms .”