Dr. Vernon Williams Jr.
Vernon Guinn Williams Jr. was born in Belton, Tx. to parents Vernon Williams Sr. and Eula Edna (née Vick).
He had younger siblings Vick and Edna Ann.
Vern graduated high school and undergraduate degrees in Texas, where he cultivated a love for the music of Hank Williams.
After spending 2 years in the US Army during the Korean conflict he used the G.I. Bill in order to attend the University of Michigan where he earned his PhD in Educational Psychology.
Vernon met his wife of 60 years there in Ann Arbor, Olevia Ann (née Franzen).
Vernon worked as a Career Counselor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for 35 years.
While there teaching and counseling, he was instrumental in the origin of the ADAPT curriculum of courses which would assist new students in transition between high school and university environments.
He also served as faculty advisor to the newly formed Diversity Council and Allies Against Heterosexism and Homophobia.
Vernon’s other interests included participation in the NAACP, PFLAG, playing tennis, riding his bike, hiking in nature and traveling both within the US and internationally.
Vernon is survived by his sister Ann Gael, sister-in-law Dorothy Williams, brother-in-law James Franzen, son Eric, daughter-in-law Janie, nieces Jeannie Elmstrom and Sarah Heilbronner, nephew Andrew Cohen-Gael, and grandchildren Adrienne Downs (Jerad), Jessica Herres (Will), Finn and Gabrielle Williams and great-grandchildren Mabel and Beau Herres, Rowan and Oliver Downs.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday April 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Unitarian Church; 6300 A Street in Lincoln.
In lieu of gifts please consider donations to the Nebraska Chapter of the NAACP, Nebraska Public Media and/or The Crane Trust of Kearney Nebraska. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Dr. Vernon Williams Jr.
Dear Eric and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences. We are so sorry to learn of the death of your father, Dr. Vernon Williams.
I had the privilege of meeting Vern in 1975 when I came to UNL from New York City to work on my doctorate. He was the director of the Counseling Center. I found him to be incredibly intelligent and unusually compassionate and caring. He was very approachable and kind. He reminded me of my own father.
My husband also had the privilege of working with Vern during his tenure at UNL. We remained in contact with Vern after his retirement. He was very active in and dedicated to the work and mission of the NAACP.
Vern loved his family very much. We pray that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you as you cherish his life and memory. Our lives are enriched because we were blessed to know and work with Dr. Vernon Williams.