In Memoriam – Sookie Williams: a Legal Legend and Trailblazer for Women Lawyers

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Sookie Williams, who passed away Wednesday evening at the age of 101. Sookie Williams was a staunch advocate for women in the law and a mentor to female judges and attorneys. She helped found the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and was a longtime supporter of MDFAWL. In 2008, MDFAWL awarded her the Women Making History Award, which is awarded each March (Women’s History Month) to a recipient who exemplifies the ideals of professional achievement, perseverance and dedication to women’s issues.

Sookie Williams served, until her retirement just 4 years ago, as the Daily Business Review (DBR) Vice President; she was with the company for 42 years. She created the DBR’s Court Pages, making sure up-to-date court directories, emergency judge contact information, and bench and bar notices were published daily. She served as a liaison with the state and federal judiciary and Miami-Dade’s state and federal clerks of court, and bar associations. Sookie Williams was a true pioneer, a pillar in our legal community, and was beloved by all.

Although devastated by her loss, the MDFAWL Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Sookie Williams Scholarship, which will be awarded next March to a female law student who embodies the passion and perseverance of Sookie Williams, and who is dedicated to promoting women’s issues and paving the way for new women leaders of today’s generation. Funds raised for the MDFAWL Foundation at the upcoming 39th Annual Installation & Awards Dinner on June 4, 2019 will be for the Sookie Williams Scholarship.

Our condolences to the family and friends of Sookie Williams.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 12:30 PM at Temple Judea (5500 Granada Boulevard, Coral Gables, Florida 33146). Burial will follow at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery (1125 NW 137th Street, Miami, Florida 33168). Condolences can be sent to Bryna Williams Kneapler, PO Box 1627, Miami, Florida 33243.