Linda Williams, the longtime president of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, died Wednesday, Aug. 8, at her residence following an extended illness, and just one month after retiring.

Williams, 64, started her career with the chamber in 1996 as a part-time information specialist. Three years later, she was asked to serve as its president, and she held that post until her retirement on July 6.

Linda never stopped fighting for the things that she believed in; never stopped fighting for the county she loved, and never stopped fighting for herself and her family, said Jennifer Baker, chair of the chambers board of directors.

Her accomplishments as president include establishing Dawson County as an Entrepreneur Friendly Community, and spearheading the Dawson County Leadership program, which is designed to educate people who show potential as comity leaders and provide them information about avenues for service.

Williams lived in Dawson County for 21 years, having moved from Panama City, Fla. She received her bachelors degree from Ashford University.

Colleagues and friends posted condolences at Beardens Funeral Homes website.

I had the pleasure to work on numerous committees and regional projects with her and always admired her spirit and dedication to everything that she was involved in. She will indeed by missed, wrote Gary Fesperman. Former Dawson County Middle School employee Jill Tinsley said she frequently saw Williams volunteering and mentoring. I remember her being a very special part of one particular little girls daily life, she wrote. She was such a loving person and mentor and was always so very kind to me and the students. I will miss her. A full obituary can be found on pg. _____.