Jackie Roe Williams

Jackie Roe Williams, 90, passed away on January 10 at Providence Memorial Hospital. She was the widow of El Paso Mayor, Texas Tech regent and civic leader, Dr. Judson Williams. Born in Hillsboro, TX, Mrs. Williams lived in the Rio Grande Valley with her parents, Effie and Jay Roe, and older sister Eleanor. After earning a BA and MA in Vocal Performance she was invited to join the San Francisco Opera Company. Instead she accepted a position as Professor of Vocal Music at Texas College of Mines. Shortly after arriving in El Paso in 1939, Jackie Roe met Judson Williams, a professor of Journalism at TCM. They wed in 1941 and were married for 56 years. Mrs. Williams’ major passions were music and a commitment to El Paso. A recognized soprano, performing in a variety of venues, she was also an accomplished pianist and organist and music director at First Presbyterian Church, First Christian Church and Temple Mt. Sinai. Her civic contributions included being president of P.E.O. Chapter AJ, the El Paso Woman’s Club, founder of the MacDowell Club, board member of the UTEP Auxiliary, El Paso Opera and International Museum of Art. She was also an active supporter of the El Paso Pro-Musica Guild and the El Paso Symphony Association. Another passion was UTEP sports. It was a rare occasion that she missed an opportunity to support the University’s football and basketball programs. This was but one way she contributed to UTEP. She was a loyal fan and supporter of El Paso’s university. Recognized for her elegance, style and grace, Mrs. Williams also embraced an active life and did not shy away from adventure. She was licensed pilot, participated in open ocean sailing, white water canoeing, jogging, camping and fishing, often wearing her white gloves. Mrs. Williams is survived by her four children: Judith Ridley, (husband Mike) Horseshoe Bay, TX; Jeanne Braneff, (husband Mel) El Paso, TX; Jerith Clarence, St. Louis, MO, (husband Paul); Judson C. Williams, (wife Susan) Flagstaff, AZ; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Contributions may be made to the Dr. Judson F. and Jackie R. Williams Presidential Excellence Fund, the University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University, Kelly Hall, Sixth Floor, El Paso, TX 79868. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14, at Sunset Funeral Home, 480 N. Resler Drive. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 15, at First Presbyterian Church, 1600 Murchison Ave. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.