Melinda “Mindy” Williams, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026. The eldest of 3 siblings, Mindy was born in Seattle, WA and had recently celebrated her 66th birthday.
After several moves in her early childhood, her family eventually settled in Newport News, VA, where she attended Hampton Roads Academy. She went on to receive a B.A. in psychology from Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, TX, and an M.A. in liberal studies from Georgetown University, in Washington, DC.
As an adult, Mindy became a Williamsburg resident after living in Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, London and California. Throughout her life, Mindy was a leader who built community and inspired joy. She led organizations wherever she lived and brought her warmth, enthusiasm and trademark organizational skills, along with color-coded Sharpies and Post-It notes, to each of them.
Her professional experience included positions at The University of Chicago (London), Stanford University School of Education and Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and culminated in an adjunct faculty position in the Department of Leadership and American Studies at Christopher Newport University.
She is survived by a loving family, including children, Jeremy C. Hollar and Abigail B. Hollar; her brother, McKim Williams, Jr. (Celeste); her sister, Ann Vari (Richard, deceased); her nephew, Thomas Vari, and niece, Ellen Vari, as well as numerous cousins, friends and her beloved dog, Niko. She is predeceased by her cherished parents, McKim Williams, Sr. and Jane Dildy Williams.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, Williamsburg, VA. Colorful attire encouraged.
To honor Ms. Williams’s memory, please consider supporting organizations dedicated to cancer research, public media or local community aid.
