Leslie Williams

Leslie Anne Gaines Williams died peacefully on December 12, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on February 6, 1948, in Danville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Herman Cecil Gaines and Mabel Kelly Gaines.

Leslie’s dedication to education was evident through her 24 years of service as a teacher assistant at Jennie Rogers Elementary School, where she nurtured and inspired countless young lives. She was a proud graduate of Danville High School and continued her education at Georgetown College, where she fostered her lifelong passion for learning.

A devoted member of the Alpha Zeta chapter of the national sorority Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years, Leslie also actively participated in her church community. She sang in the choir and imparted her love of faith through teaching Sunday School and children’s Sunday School at the former First Baptist Church, later becoming a member of Ashland Danville Baptist Church.

Leslie was an ardent fan of UK football, delighting in tailgating with family and friends, creating joyful memories that will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Baker Williams; her daughters, Krystal Schorré Williams (Joe) Floyd and Kelly Anne Williams (Monte) Cress; and her grandchildren, Victoria (Kyle) Varney, Priscilla Floyd, Nathan Floyd, McKenzie (Ben) Thompson, Kadee (Brady Cochran) Langford, Kyle Langford, Sarah Cress, and Lily (Peyton Pleasant) Cress. Leslie also delighted in her great-grandchildren, including Paisley Varney, Krew Cochran, Beckett Pleasant, and twin girls on the way. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Nathan Gaines.

A funeral service honoring Leslie’s life will be held at 1 pm, Monday, December 22, 2025, at Ashland Danville, where Tom Christopher will officiate with Bro. Todd Martin and Bro. Tim Mathis is assisting.  Tim Blevins will lead the music. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3 to 6 pm at Ashland Danville.

Pallbearers will include Monte Cress, Kyle Langford, Ben Thompson, Brady Cochran, Kyle Varney, Robbie McCormack, and Rich Banker. Honorary pallbearers will be Nathan Floyd, Keith Ransdell, Sisters of Alpha Zeta, Margie and Tim Dievert, Carol Banker, Sally Christopher, James Nielsen, Joe Floyd, Karen McKormick, and Buddy & Sue Hester.

Interment will follow at Bellevue Cemetery. Leslie’s impact on her family and community will be felt for generations, and her memory will forever be cherished.