PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Thelda Marie Williams, a prominent figure in Phoenix politics who served several terms as the city’s mayor and was a City Council member for more than two decades, died at the age of 82 after a fight with cancer.
Williams holds the unique distinction of being the only individual to have held the city’s highest office on three separate occasions. Her service on the City Council spanned over two decades.
According to the current Mayor, Kate Gallego, Williams died on Tuesday night, November 14. She was born on June 30, 1941.
Thelda Williams 'cared deeply about Phoenix’s people'
"Thelda Williams’s service to our city has touched and improved the lives of everyone who lives here—from improving Sky Harbor International Airport to strengthening our transit system to making sure that we use our water wisely,” Mayor Kate Gallego stated.
"She cared deeply about Phoenix’s people and its future, and her legacy will endure far beyond our lifetimes. We mourn her loss, and her large City family extends our heartfelt condolences to her family who she treasured so much," she added, per ABC 15.
Thelda Williams' tenure
Williams began her tenure on the City Council in 1989. After a hiatus, she returned to the Council in 2007 and served until 2021 when her third consecutive term ended. Following the resignations of Mayors Paul Johnson, Terry Goddard, and Greg Stanton, Williams was chosen by her City Council colleagues to serve as interim mayor.
In honor of the ex-Phoenix mayor, flags at all city facilities will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday.
Williams leaves behind a son and a daughter, along with three grandsons. She was predeceased by her husband, Mel, who was a former Phoenix police officer, and her daughter, Chris.
Tributes pour in for Thelda Williams
“Thelda Williams was a dear friend and colleague,” Councilwoman Debra Stark, who served with Williams, stated.
"I am deeply saddened about her passing, as she impacted so many lives, as well as my own. She was an ally on the Council, but also a force to be reckoned with. I take solace in knowing she lived a full and accomplished life. We owe a debt of gratitude to Thelda for her many years of public service and contributions to the City of Phoenix. Thelda will be so missed."
"Thelda Williams leaves behind a legacy for all of Phoenix that cannot be outshined," Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, who succeeded Williams on the City Council, added.
"She was a role model, a mentor, a Jeopardy question, the only person to have served as the mayor three separate times, and a friend. She will be deeply missed and leaves behind a pair of shoes that will be impossible to fill. District 1 and all of Phoenix saw exponential growth under Thelda’s leadership. We would not be where we are today as a city if it weren’t for Thelda’s service," she added.
Before the commencement of Wednesday's agenda, a hush descended upon the Phoenix City Council chambers.
Stephen Wamsley, a retired Sgt from the Phoenix Police who had a close relationship with the Williams family, shared, "She's with her husband. That's where she wants to be."
"They were a total family of service," mentioned Wamsley. "That's what they did. They served the City of Phoenix from start to finish. And her passing is like the closing of a chapter."
Williams was deeply passionate about enhancing the city’s public transit system. In recognition of her efforts, a new transit center at Metrocenter will be reportedly named in her honor this Friday.
Phoenix Police Department paid a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, writing, "We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Phoenix Mayor and Councilmember Thelda Williams."
"Mrs. Williams was a strong supporter of #PhoenixPD and had a legacy within our department through her husband and son. Thank you for your service," the PD added.
