2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 142

Commending Barbara Entzminger Williams.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 13, 2026

WHEREAS, Barbara Entzminger Williams, an esteemed faith leader and musician, has touched countless lives in the Richmond community through her work as president and pastor of the Spirit of Truth Ministries; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams graduated from Armstrong High School in Richmond and Smith-Madden Business College and more recently earned her doctor of divinity degree from the H.E. Wood Bible Institute and Theological Seminary in 2018; and

WHEREAS, for more than 30 years, Barbara Williams has provided uplifting spiritual leadership and compassionate service to the Richmond community as the president and pastor of the Spirit of Truth Ministries; and

WHEREAS, an acclaimed musician and gospel singer, Barbara Williams was a member of the Reverend James Cleveland's Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) and was a featured singer for its 50th Anniversary in Atlanta, Georgia; in 2012, she was presented the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Award; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Williams has served with the Evangelistic Board of the GMWA, the Richmond chapter of the GMWA, and the Fellowship of Female Clergy, and she has also made an impact as the Richmond section chaplain for the National Council of Negro Women and as a member of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond and Vicinity and the National Association of Professional Women; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, Barbara Williams published her book, So I Sing, recounting her experiences as a young Black woman growing up during the period of segregation; and

WHEREAS, through her steadfast leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to service, Barbara Williams has made a profound and lasting impact on countless lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Barbara Entzminger Williams hereby be commended for her legacy of achievements in service to others; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Barbara Entzminger Williams as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for her contributions to the Richmond community and best wishes in her future endeavors.