“To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better…
This is to have succeeded.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lucille Merritt Williams was victorious by this definition. She will be remembered for her loving curiosity and generous acceptance of others. This, her life’s work, will bear fruit for generations to come.
Born in Detroit on August 18, 1942 to Lynne and Lucille Merritt, Lucy was the middle sister of Peggy and Linda and brother, Lynn Robert. She graduated from University High School, Bloomington, IN (1960), Indiana University (B.S., 1967 and M.S., 1973), and Bowling Green State University (M.Ed., 1984), all while raising four children. As a registered dietitian, she authored two children’s books on nutrition, and Recipes for a Healthy Heart. Lucy’s company, Nutrition Consultants, provided in-depth nutritional information for the WIC and Head Start programs nationwide.
Her diverse interests included golf, gardening, watercolor painting, nature walks, lifelong learning, and
IU basketball and football. She enjoyed solving puzzles and playing cards – and winning far too often!
Lucy lived her life with grace, honesty, and courage. In the six weeks from her cancer diagnosis to her
passing on November 7, 2023, she was surrounded by her family. Her wit, humor, and faith were gifts to
everyone involved in her care.
She is survived by her long-term partner, Bill Nebergall, children Tom (Arleen), Jeff (Kelly), Robyn, Rob
(Sandie), sisters Peggy Reed (Don) and Linda Marler. Lucy passionately loved her grandchildren, Alyse
Williams, Erin (Elliot) Brasch, Megan Carmen and Lauren Carmen, along with four great grandchildren,
nieces Kelley Davis (Chris) and Brittney (Will) Driggers and nephews John Bowen (Kristen) and Brian
Marler. She is also survived by her friend and former spouse, Clay Williams, and many dear friends.
Lucy was a member of First United Methodist Church of Bowling Green, OH, and PEO (Chapter EJ).
Memorial tributes may be made to the foundation Lucy helped start, Good Samaritan Fund of First
United Methodist Church, 1526 E. Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402.
A spring celebration of her life will be held in Bloomington, Indiana at a date to be determined.
