Williams' wife passes from brain cancer
A funeral was held Saturday to honor the life of Patty Jung Williams, the wife of U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin. Williams represents the 25th Congressional District, which includes Johnson County.
Patty Williams passed after a long battle with brain cancer, and her husband shared the news of her death on his social media pages.
'It is with a heavy heart that I announce that on Jan. 17, 2025, my beloved wife of 41 years Patty Jung Williams went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,' he wrote. 'Patty was an extraordinary businesswoman, philanthropist and partner, but mostly I will remember her as a loving mother to our two beautiful daughters and the greatest CoCo anyone could ask for to our two amazing granddaughters.
'Ever the patriot, Patty loved our country and was a fierce voice for causes that matter most to her. While today may mark the end of her journey here on this earth, her spirit and resolve will live on in all of us as we carry her flame daily. Thank you for your prayers for our family during this difficult time.'
During Tuesday's Johnson County Republican Women's meeting, members shared their condolences for the family.
'Roger is a big friend of the Republican Women, and Patty has been, too,' JCRW President Elaine Wilmore said. 'She's just been ill the last couple of years. It's been very hard on Roger, and he has been so faithful. He's a good man.'
Verlie Edwards, the curator for Roger Williams' personal museum, thanked the club.
'I just want to let you know how much we, not only as his staff, but his family, ask for your prayers to continue for them, and we appreciate all your support,' she said. 'It's been a tough two weeks for us.'
The Patty and Roger Williams Glioblastoma Multiforme Cancer Research Fund has been established at the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University, and Wilmore urged members to consider contributing.
'If you would like to contribute to that, I'm sure that the Williams family would appreciate it very much,' she said. 'It's not a contribution to the Republican Women. It's a contribution to Duke University's research fund in Patty's name.'
In July, Roger Williams introduced a resolution expressing support for the designation of July 17, 2024, as 'Glioblastoma Awareness Day.' The resolution increases glioblastoma awareness, which is critical to research and treatment advancements and expresses support for those battling this disease.
'Awareness is crucial in the ongoing fight against glioblastoma,' he said. 'This resolution brings hope to patients and their families as they fight this devastating disease. Together, we will continue to build on the progress we have made as we search for a cure to end this disease.'
In 2023, there were about 14,490 new cases of glioblastoma diagnosed in the United States.
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor, accounting for almost half of all primary malignant brain tumors.
Williams served as the president of the Roger Williams Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram in Weatherford, and was an active member of Willow Park Baptist Church, where she spent two years of treatment writing several inspirational songs and poems, two of which were recorded by Sonny and Jolie Burgess of Cleburne.
Prior to entering the automobile industry, she worked in the hotel hospitality business under her father in Fort Worth, and was the sales manager for Hyatt Hotels and a director of sales for state associations for AMFAC Hotels/DFW Airport.
In 1995, Texas Gov. George W. Bush appointed her to the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority, and then she was elected as the first female chairman. Gov. Rick Perry appointed her to serve as a public member/director of the State Bar of Texas in 2002.
Williams was involved in several area organizations, including the Better Business Bureau of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, where she became the first female president of the board; Jewel Charity Ball; Tarrant Area Food Bank; Texas Women for the Arts; Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Steering Women for Business (affiliate of Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo); Fort Worth Council for Life; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Austin College President's Council; Weatherford Wags and Saving Hope Animal Rescue.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Roger Williams; children, Jaclyn 'J.J.' Williams Contreras and husband, Eric; Sabrina Williams Speirs and husband, Jesse; grandchildren, Clara Contreras and Emmy Mac Speirs, all of Willow Park; sister, Susan Davis and husband, Greg of Cedar Park; and many devoted nieces and nephews.
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