Services Saturday, December 4, 2021 Viewing from 10:00 am - 10:45 am 11:00 service time New Jerusalem Baptist Church 1420 Borton Street Wichita Falls, TX. 76306 Rev. Angus Thompson, Pastor Rev. Tammy Black, Officiating Gilbert Memorial CME Church

Visitation Friday, December 3, 2021 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Wells Chapel 811 Woods Street

Burial Crestview Memorial Cemetery

Wells Funeral Home is inviting you to a live stream of the Celebration of Arthur Beatrice Williams

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82287554205

Meeting ID: 822 8755 4205 Passcode: Williams

In lieu of flowers the family encourages those who knew Arthur Bea to donate in her memory to the Child Care Partners of Wichita Falls, 119 E Wichita St, Wichita Falls, TX 76306.

Arthur Beatrice (Bea) Williams was born August 2, 1933, in Calvert, Texas, to Margie Blair and Johnny Williams. She passed from this life on November 19, 2021. Her early years in Calvert affected her greatly and she always had strong memories about that little town. She lived for a time in Los Angeles, CA but eventually the family moved to Wichita Falls in 1942. She was baptized at an early age at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. M. K. Curry, Jr. where she was active in the Sunday School Ministry. As a young woman she began to fellowship at Gilbert Memorial CME Church and regularly supported the ministry’s efforts. She eventually joined Gilbert Memorial CME in 2021.

Arthur Bea attended Booker T. Washington Schools and graduated from high school in 1951. She was presented as a debutante by the Federated Women’s Club during her freshman year at Bishop College.

She was a devoted mother and life-long public servant with a passion for supporting and empowering children, especially those from hard places. She was instrumental in organizing Ms. Bea’s Tea Party for Booker T. Washington 5th grade students which allowed them to dress in their Sunday Best and be honored for the hour.

She was a trailblazer throughout her professional career and was the first female African American City Councilor, and the first African American Justice of the Peace of the City of Wichita Falls. She was inducted into the North Texas Women’s Hall of Fame and was named 2001 Wichitan of the Year.

In recognition of her barrier breaking efforts in service to her community, in 2019 the Museum of North Texas History named her a Legend of North Texas. Throughout her career and after retirement her special passion was for the city’s children having served the Child Care Partners as a board member and volunteered for more than 40 years. Arthur Bea was a longstanding member of The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls helping them to empower voters and defend democracy.

An avid quilter and certified master gardener, both skills were admired by many, and she was frequently asked to contribute her expertise regarding both.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margie Blackmon, her father, Johnny Williams and her brother, Charles Gaines.

Arthur Bea leaves to cherish her memory her only daughter, Andrea Lynne, and a host of other relatives and friends.