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Commissioners approve renaming of West and East University streets to Judge JC Williams Drive
Summary
City commissioners voted to approve Ordinance NC25-01 (Ordinance No. 3,105) recommending the renaming of West and East University Street between South Park and South Adelaide to Judge JC Williams Drive, following a unanimous Facilities Naming Committee recommendation and several public supporters at a public hearing.
Terrell commissioners voted to approve Ordinance NC25-01 (Ordinance No. 3,105) to rename West University Street and East University Street between South Park Street and South Adelaide Street as Judge JC Williams Drive.
The proposal was presented by city staff as an administrative action based on a February 2025 unanimous recommendation from the Terrell City Facilities Naming Committee. Staff described Judge James Curtis Williams's public service, noting his military service, civic involvement, creation of a teen court program in 1995, and roles in local organizations. Staff said the committee shortened the signage to Judge JC Williams Drive so the name would fit on street signs.
Family members and community representatives spoke in support during the public hearing. Pamela Joe, who identified herself as Judge Williams’s sister, said, “My brother deserves it,” and recounted his community service and personal generosity. Eva Griffith, who said she had submitted a letter, told commissioners the renaming would “be a powerful symbol and respect in remembrance of Judge James C. Williams.” Trina Hubbard Samuels read remarks on behalf of Judge Williams’s daughter, describing his mentorship and care for local youth. The pastor of New Hope Baptist Church also spoke, saying Williams was “well deserving of this honor.”
Commissioners then moved and seconded approval of NC25-01; the measure passed on voice vote. A member of staff later noted that a staff recommendation language printed on earlier paper did not apply to the street-naming and that the corrected recommendation was visible on the meeting screen.
The commission’s action implements the Facilities Naming Committee’s recommendation and directs staff to update city maps, signage plans and public records to reflect the Judge JC Williams Drive designation. The matter will proceed consistent with the adopted ordinance language and exhibit map attached to the ordinance for legal description and placement.
Background: city staff said the committee initially approved the full name Judge James C. Williams Drive in January 2025 but returned in February 2025 to shorten it to Judge JC Williams Drive after consulting with the family because the full name would not fit on a standard street sign.
No formal opposition was recorded during the public hearing and commissioners made no amendments to the committee recommendation. The ordinance number and internal case identifier cited during the meeting were Ordinance No. 3,105 and NC25-01.
