Superintendent Rowland offers condolences on passing of Sibley Mayor Jimmy Williams

On behalf of the Webster Parish School Board and the entire Webster Parish School System, I would like to express our sincere condolences and sympathy to Mrs. Suzanne and the rest of the Williams family over the recent passing of our dear friend, Mr. Jimmy Williams.  Jimmy was as connected to our school system as anyone that is not actually an employee.  His father, Mr. Wayne Williams Sr., was a long-time educator in our parish, eventually becoming principal at Minden High School and later serving as Superintendent from 1971-77.  Jimmy’s mother, Mrs. Irene, served as secretary at Minden High School for 34 years before retiring in 1986.  His older brother, Mr. Wayne Williams, Jr, (Butch) served as principal at Sibley High School/Lakeside High School for 24 years, before serving as Superintendent from 2003-2011. Mrs. Ki Williams, Jimmy’s sister-in-law, taught Home Economics at Sibley High School and Minden High School for many years until her retirement.  Finally, Mrs. Suzanne, Jimmy’s beloved wife, succeeded Mrs. Irene as secretary at Minden High School where she served for 33 years. I can remember as a young teacher/coach at MHS, Suzanne displaying extraordinary kindness and patience on a daily basis to everyone she encountered.  Obviously, Jimmy was well connected to our school system, especially the kids and students we serve. There is no doubt the Williams family has spent a lifetime committing their lives to serving others and giving back to children has been at the forefront.
As manager of Minden Athletic and owner of Williams Silk Screen, Jimmy worked with his late brother Butch, and his nephew, Chris, to employ hundreds of Webster Parish students since its beginning in 1973.  Over the years, Jimmy worked to supply athletic teams as well as individuals, uniforms and other athletic apparel.  Jimmy had a giving spirit as he gave countless times, out of his own pocket, to those in need and especially to young athletes who might have trouble paying for shoes, gloves, bats, uniforms, and other accessories.  Through this approach, Jimmy was able to support all of the schools and communities that did business with Minden Athletic.   He served as mentor to not only those who worked for him, but also to the numerous kids he coached for many years as coach of the American Legion baseball team. I vividly recall Jimmy leaving the store to go to legion practice or games during the summer.  Jimmy’s positive, down to earth nature resonated well with people, and again, especially young people.  Finally, as long serving mayor of Sibley, he wholeheartedly supported the schools in our district that served the students he served as mayor.  Jimmy and Suzanne were invested in our school system by serving and volunteering, and not just at the schools their children and grandchildren attended, but all of the schools in our district and loved to see them thrive.
Finally, as his parents and brother before him, Jimmy leaves behind a strong legacy of servant leadership for Suzanne and his children, Christin, Jennifer, and Jay.  Jimmy and Suzanne formed a tight, close-knit, and loving family as evidenced by their life revolving around their children and grandchildren.  The love and admiration they have for him signifies an incredible tribute to him.  Jimmy will be missed by his family and many friends, but everyone can take solace in the fact that all of the communities he served benefitted by what he gave back to them.
 With heartfelt sympathy,
Johnny Rowland, Jr., Superintendent
Webster Parish School Board