WHEREAS, Lorraine Payne Williams, a devoted educator and a champion for civil rights who touched countless lives in the Charlottesville area through her grace, kindness, and passion for community service, died on March 12, 2024; and

WHEREAS, born Doris Lorraine Payne, Lorraine Williams grew up in a close-knit community in Albemarle County known as Broad Axe or Mechum River; in her youth, she and her siblings walked several miles to attend the Terry School, which served Black children in the region; and

WHEREAS, in 1937, Lorraine Williams moved to Charlottesville to live with her aunt and uncle while furthering her education and ultimately graduated from Jefferson High School, one of the few secondary schools in the Commonwealth serving Black students at that time; and

WHEREAS, after receiving a bachelor's degree in education from Hampton University, Lorraine Williams returned to Charlottesville to begin her career as a teacher and chair of the Business Education Department at Jackson P. Burley High School; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Williams subsequently earned a master's degree in education from what was then known as the University of Virginia's Curry School of Education, where she later served on the board of the Curry School of Education Foundation; and

WHEREAS, in addition to inspiring young people as an educator, Lorraine Williams and her husband, Eugene, were well-known advocates for the Black community in Charlottesville during the civil rights era and played a pivotal role in local school integration; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine and Eugene Williams formed a committee to work with other parents on the issue, and their daughters, Karol and Scheryl, were part of an early group of students who attempted to integrate all-white schools in the city; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Williams continued her career at the integrated Lane High School and overcame prejudice and adversity to become one of the school's most celebrated educators, who touched the lives of countless young people through her commitment to innovation in the classroom and keen appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Williams also volunteered her leadership and expertise to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Charlottesville Chapter of The Links, Inc., as well as an organization that hosted a debutante ball for local Black women; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her life, Lorraine Williams earned many awards and accolades, including the Service Above Self Award from Rotary International in 2015 and the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Williams enjoyed fellowship and worship with the Charlottesville community as a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she was honored with a stained glass window bearing her name; and

WHEREAS, Lorraine Williams will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband of 75 years, Eugene; her daughters, Karol and Scheryl, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Lorraine Payne Williams, a highly admired educator, civil rights advocate, and vibrant member of the Charlottesville community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Lorraine Payne Williams as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.