Romulus Councilwoman, Virginia Williams, Legacy on Display at Holiday Food Distribution

With the passing of Romulus City Councilwoman Virginia Williams on December 15, the community around her, initially in shock at her unexpected passing, picked up and carried on the work she left behind. As word of her death spread, people joined together to ensure the tasks she performed with such dedication did not go unfinished. One such task was the weekly food distribution her organization, Citizens Changing Communities, held in partnership with Forgotten Harvest, which helped feed more than 200 families from the area each week. On Tuesday, December 17 the Forgotten Harvest Holiday Food Giveaway took place at Romulus High School and more than 50 volunteers, most friends and associates of Williams, turned out to lend a hand to the effort.

"Mrs. Williams inspired us so effectively that her shoes are so huge," said Citizens Changing Communities Board member Clarke Ross. "She was such a success in her purpose. Her infectious ability to drive others to be their best was and is impressive. She believed wholeheartedly that dedication to local government was most impactful and a great portion of her dedication was serving her community."

Romulus City Clerk Ellen L. Craig-Bragg recalled Williams' faithfulness to the residents she served, having started the Forgotten Harvest food distribution during the pandemic and continuing it because she saw the need was so great. "She was definitely a champion for the residents here in Romulus. She cared so much and she could definitely pull together a crowd, whether it was Movies in the Park, Trunk or Treat, this event here, and event Juneteenth," she said. "She is surely going to be missed. Her heart was in the right place and it was for the people. She certainly has left a legacy here in Romulus and we pray that this will continue on, but it's going to take the community to band together in her honor."

Williams was first elected to Romulus City Council in 2017and was re-elected in 2021 as Council Chairperson Pro-Tem. Prior to her contributions to the city council, Williams was an outspoken community advocate dedicated to helping those in need. Her passion for giving inspired many around her.

Judge Kenneth J. King of the 36th District Court in Detroit volunteered his time at the food distribution. He said, "I am here to honor my good friend Virginia Williams, who has always been an ardent supporter of mine and a champion for the community. This was her project to team up with Forgotten Harvest to provide food for people during the Christmas holidays and this is just one of the many things she's done throughout the year. In honor of her memory, I made it a point to be here today."

"I'm here today because I wanted to honor her," said Detroit City Council Member Mary Waters, who also volunteered with the food distribution. "She had so much passion for this food giveaway with Forgotten Harvest and I wanted to be her today in her honor to make sure that Romulus residents and others are taken care of for the holidays.

Throughout the years I've seen her take on various causes and issues to help people from various communities. That's what she leaves behind-a legacy of strength, and she knew how to show some love."

Virginia Williams will lie in state at Romulus City Hall on Friday, December 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for public viewing. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 10 a.m at Triumph Church, located at 2760 E. Grand Blvd., in Detroit