There were plenty of reasons longtime resident and community volunteer Marge Williams received a Marge Williams Day on Nov. 2 from the city of Kent to honor her life.

Williams, who died at age 83 on Sept. 3, served on numerous groups, including Rotary, Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Music4Life, Kent Community Foundation, Kent International Festival, Kent Communities in Schools, the Kent Food Bank and Northwest Harvest. She also was active at Kent Covenant Church.

“Marge had a love for her community and for helping others that would not allow her to limit her service to just one organization, leading her to serve with many groups across the community,” Kent Mayor Dana Ralph said at the Nov. 2 City Council meeting when she proclaimed Nov. 2 as Marge Williams Day. “Marge’s sincerity and commitment to giving back was contagious and she engaged, encouraged and inspired many people to get involved in the community.”

Many residents admired the volunteer work of Williams and the way she performed the work.

“Marge’s warmth, compassion and commitment to helping others made her an excellent advocate and mentor who led by example,” Ralph said. “Marge’s many years of service to the city of Kent and its residents have left a lasting impact and example of what it means to truly have a heart for service.”

Harry Williams, the husband of Marge, attended the council meeting to accept the proclamation.

“I tagged along for 45 years and it felt pretty good tagging along,” Harry Williams said. “I appreciate the words of appreciation. We do have a wonderful community. This recognition is beautiful and appreciated very much. Thank you.”

City Councilmember Bill Boyce said he joined Rotary about 20 years ago and that’s when he first met Harry Williams.

“He was the first guy running towards me with a bear hug and a smile and made me feel special,” Boyce said at the council meeting. “Right after that I met Marge who was even more special and we became close friends. She’s done so much for city, her footprint will be throughout Kent forever. The things she has done for this city will never be forgotten.”

After reading the proclamation, Ralph said Marge Williams had a contagious smile and her heart was as big as her smile.

“When I think about Kent and the heart of this city and what service means, Marge is the first name that comes to mind,” Ralph said. “She was always there. Whether it was a donation drive, fundraiser. …if it was a gathering of people who care about the city, Marge was present.”

Ralph earlier had read the closing line of the proclamation.

“We encourage all residents to honor her life by following in her footsteps as volunteers, caretakers and advocates for others.”

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, left, and City Councilmember Bill Boyce, right, on Nov. 2 at City Hall present the Marge Williams Day proclamation to Harry Williams, the husband of the late Marge Williams. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent