Thelda Williams, former Phoenix councilmember and interim mayor, has died of cancer

Thelda Williams, a longtime Phoenix councilwoman who served as the city’s interim mayor three times, died Nov. 14 after a brief battle with cancer. She was 82.

“Thelda Williams’s service to our city has touched and improved the lives of everyone who lives here—from improving Sky Harbor International Airport to strengthening our transit system to making sure that we use our water wisely,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in a prepared statement.

“She cared deeply about Phoenix’s people and its future, and her legacy will endure far beyond our lifetimes. We mourn her loss, and her large City family extends our heartfelt condolences to her family who she treasured so much,” Gallego added.

Williams moved to Phoenix from Omaha, Nebraska, in 1971 with her husband, Melvin Williams, who became a Phoenix police officer.

Williams was first elected to the Phoenix City Council in 1989 and served more than 30 years in Phoenix politics, with stints as the city’s interim leader in 1994, 2011 and 2018.

"Thelda may have had ... a bigger impact on the city and its long-term future than any other mayor before her — and that's fascinating," former Mayor Paul Johnson told The Arizona Republic in 2018.

Johnson set the stage for Williams’ first interim appointment when he resigned to run for governor. He said Williams was the obvious choice to serve as his temporary replacement, and the council agreed.

In 2011 and again in 2018, when an interim mayor was needed, there was never a question as to who would hold down the city during tumultuous times.

Williams' calm demeanor and quick wit allowed her to win respect from both ends of the political spectrum and push policy on issues she was passionate about, including open-space preservation, public safety, water security and light rail.

Former Mayor Phil Gordon used to call her "Aunt Thelda" because he would turn to her for advice when he was mayor, he said in 2018.

When Gordon was stressed or angry, former City Manager Frank Fairbanks would send in Williams, Gordon said.

"Frank knew I wouldn't yell at Thelda," he said.

In a 2018 interview, Johnson called Williams his "go-to person" during his mayoral tenure. She partnered with him on downtown development, the Phoenix Suns arena and other major projects.

"I used to say that she made (former British Prime Minister) Margaret Thatcher look like a softy," Johnson said. "She will push and get things done, but she's not bombastic. She doesn't say mean things, doesn't tear people apart. But it is a mistake to believe that that lady doesn't get things done."

In between her time on the Phoenix City Council, Williams worked for controversial former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

She spent 13 years as a division commander overseeing programs for inmates in the county jails such as behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, education and religious services.

During her final two years at MCSO, Williams helped start a program that allowed inmates to care for abused animals.

Williams left her role as councilwoman for the final time in 2020. She maintained a strong presence in City Hall even after her departure, garnering praise for her steadfast support of public transportation, including the light rail.

In May, City Council approved naming the west Phoenix light rail station near the former Metro Center Mall "The Thelda Williams Transit Center."

Williams sought to tour the station before she died, and the city earlier this week was scrambling to schedule an event for Friday.

Williams is survived by her son Murray and daughter Cyndi Williams, along with three grandsons: Matt Smith and Ben and John Williams. She is preceded in death by her husband Mel and her daughter Chris.

The city will lower flags at its facilities in honor of Williams through Tuesday.

Jessica Boehm is a former reporter for The Republic.

Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thelda Williams, former Phoenix councilmember, dead at 82