88R7162 EME-D
By: Springer S.R. No. 46
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Wichita Falls lost an esteemed
community leader with the passing of Arthur Beatrice Williams on
November 19, 2021, at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Arthur Bea Williams was born in Calvert on August 2,
1933, to Margie Blackmon and Johnny Williams, and she grew up with
her brother, Charles; in 1942, she and her family moved to Wichita
Falls; she professed her faith at an early age and became involved
with ministries at her church; following her graduation from
Booker T. Washington High School in 1951, she went on to attend
Bishop College, where she was presented as a debutante by the
Federated Women's Club; and
WHEREAS, Breaking a number of color barriers, Ms. Williams
was the first Black woman city councilor in Wichita Falls and the
city's first Black justice of the peace; she was a longtime member
of the League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls, and she was a
passionate advocate for youth, playing an instrumental role in
organizing Ms. Bea's Tea Party for fifth-grade students and serving
as a board member for Child Care Partners; she contributed to her
community as a volunteer for over four decades; moreover, she was a
valued congregant of Gilbert Memorial Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams was inducted into the North Texas
Women's Hall of Fame, and in 2019 she was honored as a North Texas
Legend by the Museum of North Texas History; she was also recognized
as the 2001 Wichitan of the Year by the Times Record News; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Williams was the devoted mother of a daughter,
Andrea Lynne; in her leisure time, she enjoyed quilting, and she was
a certified master gardener; and
WHEREAS, A trailblazer and a dedicated public servant, Arthur
Bea Williams will be deeply missed, but the integrity, wisdom, and
generosity with which she lived her life will forever inspire all
who had the good fortune to know her; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Arthur Beatrice Williams and
extend heartfelt sympathy to her many relatives and friends; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Arthur Bea Williams.