The chiropractic profession is mourning the loss of one of its matriarchs: Nell K. Williams, BS, DC ("Dr. Nell"), the "first lady" of Life Chiropractic College and Life University. A 1956 graduate of Palmer College, Dr. Nell passed away peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 16, 2019, at the age of 92.

With her husband, Dr. Sid Williams, Life Chiropractic College became a reality in 1974. With Dr. Sid as president, Dr. Nell served as senior vice president and dean of student affairs at the institution for more than a quarter of a century.

Even after her retirement, Dr. Nell continued working at Life Foundation, the nonprofit entity she and Dr. Sid founded in 1966 that helped launch the chiropractic college. The foundation supports chiropractic research, education and service worldwide.

Here are some of the other highlights from Dr. Nell's life and career in service to chiropractic:

• Co-founded (with Dr. Sid) Si-Nel Publishing to publish chiropractic brochures, pamphlets and tapes (1957).
• Authored Basic Chiropractic Assistant Textbook: Practice Administration and Management, which teaches CAs how to successfully run a chiropractic practice (1981).
• Served as a speaker at every Dynamic Essentials seminar (founded by Dr. Sid in 1964) for four decades.
• Elected a Distinguished Fellow in the International Chiropractors Association (1980).
• Named Palmer College's Woman Chiropractor of the Year (1981).
• Named the ICA Chiropractor of the Year (2000).
• Recipient of the ICA Woman of the Decade award for her lifelong contributions to the International Chiropractors Association and the chiropractic profession.

Dr. Nell is survived by her daughter, Dr. Kim Williams, and son, Dr. John Sidney Williams (both graduates of Life University), as well as three grandchildren. Dr. Sid Williams passed away in 2012 at the age of 84.

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