Derby Meeting Room Named After Joan Williamson

Friends, relatives and colleagues of longtime City Clerk Joan M. Williamson gathered in the Derby Aldermanic Chambers Thursday to dedicate the meeting room in the name of the late official, who died in June 2010.

Those who spoke at the ceremony remembered Williamson as a kind, outgoing, friendly and dedicated public servant, but above all how helpful and knowledgeable she was about the business of city government.

Valley Community Foundation President James E. Cohen, formerly a Derby corporation counsel, recalled that long before the days of computer search technology, Williamson could locate particular municipal records from decades before without a moment’s hesitation.

We had a million questions and Joan always knew the answers,” said Alderman Beverly Moran.

She always had a smile on her face, no matter what,” said Mayor Anthony Staffieri, who called the dedication of the Aldermanic Chambers a fitting tribute” and said he thought of her as his big sister.

I found we all were better people when she was around,” said City Treasurer Keith McLiverty, who organized the ceremony. She made us better and smarter and prouder.”

Photo: Fred MusanteThe late city clerk’s husband, Bernie Williamson, told the gathering that his wife simply loved doing her job, helping people with a smile on her face.

Former Police Chief Andrew Cota unveiled a plaque he hand-carved to hang in the chambers dedicating them in Williamson’s name.

Numerous members of the late clerk’s extended family, including numerous grandchildren, were in attendance.

Williamson took a job as an assistant to the city clerk decades ago, and rose through the ranks until she was elected to four terms herself. After retiring in 2007, she served as the deputy finance director and McLiverty said her last paycheck was dated on the day she died.

McLiverty said he and other municipal employees and officials find it hard to believe she is gone.

Many times, we in City Hall believe she will come walking off that elevator,” he said.

Keep local reporting alive. Donate.ValleyIndy.org