2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 782

Celebrating the life of Elwood Lorenzo Williams.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 19, 2025

WHEREAS, Elwood Lorenzo Williams, a devoted community leader who empowered generations of young people in Norfolk, died on August 5, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Elwood Williams grew up in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and pursued a career as a teacher in Rich Square, North Carolina, after he graduated from college with a degree in physical education; and

WHEREAS, Elwood Williams eventually relocated to the Commonwealth and settled in Norfolk, where he became better known as “Coach Williams” to the young people he served and inspired; and

WHEREAS, Elwood Williams served as executive director of the Colonial Boys Club and the Southside Boys & Girls Club; he used sports to teach life lessons and was a trusted mentor and father figure to children in need; and

WHEREAS, Elwood Williams enhanced local life by providing children with a safe and supportive place in which to learn and grow, and many of his former students continued to seek his wise counsel as adults; and

WHEREAS, Elwood Williams imparted his passion for servant leadership to every child in his care, many of whom went on to also serve as community leaders, including one who became mayor of Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, Elwood Williams will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Elwood Lorenzo Williams, a highly admired leader in the Norfolk community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Elwood Lorenzo Williams as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.