[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 2 (Thursday, January 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE CAROLYN H. WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 6, 2005

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable 
Carolyn H. Williams, Judge of Probate for the Kalamazoo County 9th 
Circuit Court, who is approaching the end of a long and distinguished 
career of public service. A dedicated and committed individual, Judge 
Williams has served the communities and families of Southwest Michigan 
for the last 18 years. Through her leadership and enthusiasm to her 
profession, Judge Williams has helped to make our corner of Michigan an 
even better and safer place to live and grow.
  Judge Williams has long been known for her ability to motivate and 
inspire young people who for some reason or another end in her court. 
Her evenhandedness and dedication to fairness have followed her 
throughout her career. No matter how difficult a case may be, Judge 
Williams always presents a voice of calm and this ability shines 
through to the individuals before her.
  Judge Williams has been involved in many facets of our local and 
state community. Over the years she has served as Co-Chair of Kalamazoo 
Healthy Futures Initiative, President of Michigan Probate Judges 
Association, Chair of Kalamazoo Children and Family Consortium, and 
Greater Kalamazoo United Way Board of Directors. She has also received 
many accolades including, YWCA Woman of Achievement, Kalamazoo Rotary 
Red Rose Citation, and Glass Ceiling Award of Greater Kalamazoo 
Network.
  Our community is forever in her debt. There is no question that Judge 
William's passion for the law and betterment of society will be greatly 
missed. Her contributions to the improvement to our way of life have 
been immense. I wish Judge Williams and her family all the best in 
retirement. Although she is leaving the Court, there is no doubt that 
her life's work of helping and assisting children and families will 
continue.
  On a personal note, I have known Judge Williams and her family for 
many years. There's never been a time that I haven't been impressed 
with her style and grace as she has looked to follow the law in making 
our community a better place. Her legal peers know, they have to be 
prepared as they enter her courtroom. She is deeply respected by all.

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