MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2008 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Davis (36th), Baria, Butler, Dawkins, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Watson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REMEMBERING THE LEGACY AND COMMENDING THE LIFE OF ROBERT LEE WILLIAMS, SR., OF LORMAN, MISSISSIPPI, ONE OF THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN ELECTED OFFICIALS IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI SINCE THE RECONSTRUCTION ERA.
WHEREAS, Deacon Robert Lee Williams, Sr., of Lorman, Mississippi, departed this life on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, in Natchez, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Robert Lee Williams was a self-employed carpenter who felt a strong sense of obligation to participate in the democratic process. In order for the principles of democracy to prevail, citizens must be willing to make the necessary personal sacrifices and have the courage to serve under adverse conditions; and
WHEREAS, Robert Lee Williams, Sr., is recognized as being among the first African-Americans elected to public office in Mississippi since the Reconstruction Era. He was elected to the Jefferson County Board of Education in 1966, where he served for 24 years until he retired in December 1990; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Robert Lee Williams, Sr., was born to the late Sylvester and Joanna Gilchrist-Williams on July 19, 1933, in Rodney, Mississippi. He accepted Christ at an early age at the Travelers Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Joe Williams and later joined the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board and also as the Church Clerk; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 1960, Robert was united in holy matrimony to Wilma McGee. To this union, five children were born. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Philomean Williams-Hargo and Pernola Williams-Dixon; and two brothers, Henry O. Williams and Moseville Williams. Deacon Williams leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Wilma McGee Williams; two daughters, Sheila (Samuel) Brinkley, Jr., and Meshell (Corey) Smith, Sr.; three sons, Robert (Renetta) Williams, Jr., Philvester (Joyce) Williams and Dennis (Angie) Williams, Sr.; two brothers, Mitchell Williams, Sr., and Sylvester (Willie May) Williams; two sisters, Hulda Johnson and Mary Bottley; one brother-in-law, Alford (Rosetta) McGee; two sisters-in-law, Ruthie Hill and Udoxie Ward; five granddaughters, Shalonda Brinkley, Atrice King, Sharekia Williams, Jalisa Williams and Kalia Smith; five grandsons, Robert Williams III, Desmond Williams, Dennis Williams, Jr., Samuel Brinkley III and Corey Smith, Jr.; one special nephew, James Arthur Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this respected citizen who leaves a legacy of public and charitable service to his community and whose election was a landmark event in the history of the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby remember the legacy and commend the life of Robert Lee Williams, Sr., of Lorman, Mississippi, who is recognized as being among the first African-American elected officials in the State of Mississippi since the Reconstruction Era, and extend to his surviving family our sympathy on his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Robert Lee Williams, Sr., and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.