Helen Jane Williams (Cosby)

Helen Jane Williams (Cosby), of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born and raised in Sullivan Gardens, Helen graduated from Sullivan West High School. She and John lived in Washington DC for a few years but ultimately came back to Kingsport where they raised their girls. Helen spent a majority of her career working for ITT and Holston Defense, where she retired. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. Helen was a faithful servant of the Lord and was a devoted member of Good Shephard Baptist Church. She was always so helpful and giving to those in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kent and Madeline Hubbard; loving husband of 44 years, John C. Williams; and husband of 2 ½ years, Will Cosby; infant son, John C. Williams Jr.; and sister, Jolene Townsend.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Sherry Moody and husband Mike, and Lisa Christian and husband Marcus; grandchildren, Christina Townsend and husband Simon, and Matthew Moody and wife Candace; step-grandson, Matthew Christian and wife Abbey; great-grandchildren, Caden, Brooklyn, Zoey; step great-grandchildren, Carli, Cohlton, Levi, Emma, Caitlyn; great-great grandchildren, Aniston, Asher; siblings, Shirley Light, Barbara Smith and husband Larry, and Harold Hubbard; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Good Shephard Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Rob Fletcher and Pastor Eddie McCamis officiating.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Moody, Matthew Christian, Simon Townsend, Caden Moody, Cohlton Townsend, and Danny Nunley.