Elouise Williams

“Not only was Elouise sincere, lovely, and loving, but she helped express so beautifully in words, deeds, and friendships what we are striving toward in the great organization and for our great country.” --- Mary Ellen Borgelt, American Lawyer’s Alliance

“She felt very deeply about civic education and how the ALA could make a difference in the world.” --- Kitty O’Reilly, President, American Lawyer’s Alliance, 2005

Elouise Wilkins Williams, 95, longtime Birmingham civic leader and supporter of Samford University passed peacefully on August 25, 2023.

Born in Pell City, AL, Elouise was the only child of Richard Gilbert Wilkins and Gladys Sparks Wilkins. The family moved from Walker County to Pell City in 1924 to establish a lumber manufacturing business.

Elouise attended Judson College and graduated from the University of Alabama. She earned her Master of Science from Columbia University Teacher’s College in New York City. In the 1970’s she took music and religion classes at Samford University for her own edification.

Before moving to Birmingham in 1967, Elouise taught school in Pell City, also the hometown of her husband of 62 years, the late Henry Harold Williams. Both Elouise and Harold were active in First Baptist Church, and the Pell City community.

Elouise quickly became established in Mountain Brook Baptist Church, where she served in leadership roles for many years, and in many local, state, and national civic and educational organizations. Elouise and Harold particularly enjoyed mentoring young people both at church and in community groups.

Elouise had a knack for bringing people together to accomplish a common goal. A precise and effective leader, Elouise was known for her mastery of Robert’s Rules of Order. She served as leader in many organizations: National President, American Lawyers Auxiliary (now American Lawyers Alliance), where Elouise coined the phrase, “We Nurture the Rule of Law for Freedom’s Sake,” which became the vision statement of the organization; Chairman, Board of Directors, Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame; Board of Advisors, Judson College; President, Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham; Board of Trustees and Acting President, Birmingham Music Club; President, Birmingham Music Club Guild; Board of Directors, Alabama State Association of Parliamentarians; President, Birmingham Bar Auxiliary; and President, Antiquarian Society of Birmingham.

Over the years, the Williams family developed deep ties to Samford University. Her two children, Richard and Anna were Samford graduates. Elouise served as president of Samford Auxiliary — now called Legacy League — and in 1990 started an 18-year tenure as its coordinator.

In 2008, the Elouise Wilkins Williams Scholarship was officially established to coincide with her retirement from the organization. Legacy League now has a growing scholarship endowment due in large part to the Williamses’ generosity. Williams helped grow the volunteer organization from offering one $300 scholarship to sponsoring a $1 million endowment fund which enabled it to award $1,500 scholarships to 36 students at the time she stepped down. Today, Legacy League has 38 named scholarships.

In 2004, the Samford Alumni Association recognized the couple’s service by naming them the university’s first honorary alumni (Alumni Honoris Causa). Elouise was a founding member of Samford’s board of overseers and a member of the executive council for Friends of Samford Arts.

Her life of service was recognized by many organizations who honored Elouise with: 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award by American Lawyers Auxiliary; Award of Merit by Alabama State Bar; Certificate of Excellence by Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham; Nominee, 1994 VIP Volunteer in Philanthropy by National Society of Fund Raising Executives; 2007 Citizen of the Year Award to Elouise and Harold Williams by Women’s Committee of 100 for Birmingham; and a Doctor of Humane Letters by Judson College

Though her years of service to others took her across the country, Elouise always loved and retained close ties with her hometown, Pell City, Alabama. In the mid 2000’s, she and Harold realized Pell City students needed a new school, so they donated the land so the project could begin.

In 2007, Elouise and Harold were Grand Marshals of the Pell City Annual Christmas Parade.

In the fall of 2008, a new Pell City school was named the Elouise and Harold Williams Intermediate School in their honor.

A longtime member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church, Elouise was a Trustee and Life Deacon. She and Harold particularly enjoyed mentoring young members.

Williams was preceded in death by Harold and son, Richard. Her daughter, Anna died May 30, 2024.

Elouise is survived by many friends across Alabama and the nation.

A joint service for Elouise and her daughter, Anna Elizabeth Williams will be held at 11 am, Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Mountain Brook Baptist Church, 3631 Montevallo Rd. Mountain Brook, AL.

Memorial contributions can be made to Brookwood Baptist Church; Mountain Brook Baptist Church; or the Samford University Legacy League.