Two longtime educators and community servants are being recognized for their legacy of giving back after the Meridian City Council on Tuesday approved a street name overlay for Coach James and Betty Williams.

The overlay, which will affect 19th Street between 31st and 33rd avenues, is an honor for the Williams family, their son, Ernie Williams said, and a fitting way to mark the impact the two Meridianites had on their city.

“This is truly an honor that our family, children, grandchildren, our parents’ former students, church members and friends will be able to enjoy and think fondly of of our parents over the years,” he said.

Betty Williams, her son said, was one of nine children born to two sharecroppers who were determined to provide better opportunities for their children. Her mother, with a seventh-grade education, was a voracious reader and passed her love of learning on to her daughter. Betty went on to become the first in her family to attend and graduate college, setting an example several of her siblings followed, he said.

“Several went on to become doctors, business professionals, entrepreneurs, etc.,” he said. “But for my mother through, education became her passion.”

Betty Williams went on to make history as the first black female science teacher at Meridian High School after integration, Ernie Williams said. In addition to teaching for almost 40 years at a variety of levels, Betty Williams was also a Sunday school teacher and was highly active in the community, he said.

Coach James Williams, born in Enterprise, had a passion for sports at an early age, his son said. Upon reaching the ninth grade, he relocated to Meridian for more athletic opportunities on the advice of his coach.

“He went on to attend Harris High School and then Harris Junior College before receiving a scholarship to play ball at Mississippi Industrial College,” he said. “While there, he played football, basketball and baseball his first two years of school.”

Turning down an offer to attend training with the Dallas Cowboys in 1963, James Williams returned to Meridian to mentor the next generation of leaders coaching football and basketball at Carver High School. In addition to Carver, he also coached at Meridian High School and Kate Griffin at points along his more than 35-year coaching career.

James Williams also cemented his place in the history books as the first African American to officiate an integrated football game in Lauderdale County, Ernie Williams said.

“His love for officiated extended well over four decades, and he probably would still be calling games today if not for his health reasons,” he said.

The two educators invested their life savings into building their home on 19th Avenue, Ernie Williams said, and became stalwart supporters of their street, neighborhood and community.

Both James and Betty Williams had opportunities to move on, Ernie Williams said, but they chose to stay in Meridian because of their deep love for the community. Throughout both his parents’ careers, he said, they touched countless students’ lives and imparted wisdom that is being passed on to younger generations today.

Councilwoman Ty Bell Lindsey, who led the effort for the street overlay, said she remembers having Betty Williams as her ninth-grade biology teacher. While Williams was an effective teacher, she said, it was the lessons outside of biology that still ring true today.

“She inspired countless individuals showing us what we could accomplish we work together for a common goal,” she said.