SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 46
In Memory
of
Arthur Bea Williams
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 State of Texas, 88th
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.
Springer
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 24, 2023, by
a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate