TENNESCENE: AUGUST 13

EDUCATION

Janice Williams has been named dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Union University. A two-time Union graduate (Associate of Science in Nursing 1985, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 1987), Williams returns after serving as professor and founding program director at College of the Ozarks’ Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing since 2005.

Previously, she was a nursing professor and founding chair at Presentation College’s satellite campus in Minnesota, and worked in patient care at hospitals in South Dakota, Memphis, and Jackson. She aims to create a nurturing teaching environment through a biblical worldview.

Williams earned her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University. She holds certifications as an advanced practice clinical nurse specialist, diabetes educator, parish nurse, and academic nurse educator.

She said her mission is to create a nourishing teaching-learning environment through a biblical worldview to transform the culture for Christ. Janice and her husband Richard have four adult children and have been married 34 years.

DEATHS

Geraldine “Gerri” Brazier Thacker, 89, of Gallatin, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025, at her home.

Born March 27, 1936, in Old Hickory, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Henry Woody Jones and Velsa Ann Allen Jones. Gerri was a beloved figure in her community, known for her unwavering kindness, service, and bright smile that could uplift those around her.

Professionally, Gerri served as an operator and as a service representative at AT&T.

Spiritually, Gerri was deeply rooted in her Christian faith, belonging to the First Baptist Church of Gallatin, where she actively participated in outreach activities, including sending cards to homebound members and assisting with Tennessee Disaster Relief.

Her dedication to helping others extended to her personal life, where she took great joy in tending to her beautiful flower garden at home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James “Corky” Brazier and daughter Katrina Gail Kemp.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Gallatin Homebound Ministry P.O. Box 369, Gallatin, TN 37066.