Councilor Judy Williams Thomas

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, just in time to celebrate Easter Sunday in the presence of her Savior in heaven, Judy Williams Thomas, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, public servant and cherished member of the Columbus, Georgia, community, concluded her final parliamentary duties here on earth. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her and in the city where she served with passion and dignity.

Born and raised in Columbus, Judy was the daughter of William H. (Bill) Williams, retired Columbus District Fire Chief, and Alice O. Williams, the first certified Medical Assistant in the state of Georgia—a legacy that instilled in her a lifelong respect, affection, and advocacy for first responders. She graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1964, later earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the Women’s College of Georgia, now Georgia College and State University. Judy began her career as a fifth and sixth grade teacher at Bibb Elementary School of Columbus, GA, before working with the Georgia Association of Educators and the California Teachers Association in instrumental leadership roles. In 1973, Judy was honored as Columbus’s Teacher of the Year while she taught at Bibb Elementary School and served as president of the Muscogee Association of Educators in 1972-73. Her career in education came full circle when, on May 9, 2021, Judy was awarded the Jim Buntin Leadership Award for Excellence in Education from the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, a special honor for her as a close friend and colleague of the former Muscogee County School District Superintendent for whom the award is named.

Judy’s devotion to her hometown was evident in every chapter of her life. After returning to Columbus from California in 2006, she became a key volunteer in the successful mayoral campaign of Jim Wetherington and went on to serve as his Chief of Staff through 2010 when she stepped down to run for the Columbus City Council. She was instrumental in the 2008 OLOST referendum that funded 100 new police officer positions, a measure that continues to benefit public safety in the city today. Her commitment earned her the nickname “Queen of Public Safety,” a testament to her tireless advocacy for firefighters, police, and all first responders.

Elected to the Columbus City Council in 2011, Judy represented District 9 (At-Large) for four terms, consistently winning re-election through 2022, serving as the Budget Chair for several cycles. She was known for her integrity and sincerity, and for her thorough approach to every decision. Friends and colleagues recall that Judy could always be trusted to meticulously seek the truth and tell it directly—sometimes with a sprinkle of her signature wit to drive the point home. She was never afraid to vote with her conscience, even on contentious issues, always putting the best interests of the community first. Her voice and her vote were critical in the efforts to renovate Golden Park, bringing the Atlanta Braves Double-A team to Columbus, and she consistently went to bat for the community with straightforward honesty and efficiency. She was a lover of sports and could often be found cheering on the Atlanta Braves, the Georgia Bulldogs, most any Georgia-based or SEC team, as well as all local high school athletic competitions.

Beyond her public service, Judy was deeply involved in public education and local philanthropy. She served on the Board of Directors for several organizations (acting as Chair for many) including, but not limited to, the National Infantry Museum, the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (Chair of the Board for multiple terms, Chair of the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee), Open Door Community Center, St. Luke Church Administrative Board, Girls in the Game, Chattahoochee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Jordan Vocational High School College and Career Academy Advisory Board, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Columbus State University Military Affiliated Student Support Fund, Rotary Club of Columbus, the Miracle Riders, and others. She personally funded special projects for schools and exceptional teachers and provided monetary support and guidance for many other community initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy in Columbus’s public schools and civic life.

Judy’s passion and influence extended far beyond her official positions. Known affectionately as “Aunt Judy” by family, friends, and many who simply loved her, she embraced her role as a devoted mentor and confidante. Over the years, her keen humor, generosity, kindness, and ability to collect friends wherever she went made her a treasured presence at Rotary Club meetings, with her church family at St. Luke, and at many community gatherings. “Aunt” Judy’s circle enveloped folks from all walks of life, and she relished introducing them to each other, intentionally fostering collaboration to “get things done around here.” She loved to hear a good story and to tell one, to sing a silly song, and to chuckle over a witty joke because, through authentic connection with others, she found her joy. No cause was too big or too small for Judy to lend her support. She would simply ask, “Well, what do you need…and how much?” And she would deliver.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, William H. “Bill” Williams and Alice O. Williams. She is survived by a large and loving family to include her sister and brother-in-law Brenda W. and Darrel “Gil” Gilkey and their children, niece Loretto E. Klug (Jim), nephew Joel Eagle (Linh), nephew Larry Eagle (Kim), niece Lyn E. Garrison (Matt), nephew Chris Eagle (Andrea), and nephew Jay Eagle, and her brother and sister-in-law, David H. and Dominique T. Williams and their children, niece Christine W. Hull (Thad) and nephew W. Michael Williams (Hanna). Judy was also very proud of her host of great nieces and nephews including Kevin, Brian, Shelbie, and Jamie; Chris, Ben, Natalie, and Will; Danielle and Bradley; Justin and Jason; Drew and Zebulen; Remo; Jacob and Alice Lou; Addesyn and Charlotte. Beyond these, Judy leaves her love to an even wider circle of cousins, friends, and “nieces” and “nephews” who called her “Aunt,” no matter their age or affiliation. Part of her legacy is that those who considered her beloved cannot be contained in these many words.

Judy Williams Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering commitment to her community. Her influence will continue to inspire those who pursue the best for Columbus, Georgia, and Muscogee County. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished by all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 PM at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. A celebration of Judy’s life will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Luke Church, 1104 Second Ave., followed by burial at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road. Reverend Thad Haygood, Senior Pastor of St. Luke Church and Reverend Dr. James C. Elder, Jr., Pastor of First Baptist Church of Columbus, will officiate the service. 

In lieu of flowers, though appreciated, donations are encouraged in Judy’s memory to three of her favorite organizations: the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (https://www.gagives.org/organization/Meef), the National Infantry Museum (https://nationalinfantrymuseum.org/support/), and the Miracle Riders (https://cfcv.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1122). 

May her heritage of generosity and advocacy live on through all who loved her. “Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”—Luke 6:38