ST. MARTIN PARISH, LA — The late Carl Williams, former judge of the 16th Judicial District Court, was honored posthumously on Monday with a highway dedication to commemorate his lasting contributions to the community. The dedication, held along Bridge Street in Parks, Louisiana, on LA350 and LA347, stands as a symbol of his profound impact on those around him and his commitment to public service.
Carl Williams, who passed away on January 19, 2002, served as a judge for nine years after being appointed to the position in 1993. Known for his passion for working with juveniles, Williams became a respected figure in the community, earning a reputation for his dedication to helping young people. His former administrative assistant, Beverly Celestine, who worked closely with him throughout his tenure, shared fond memories of Williams’ leadership and influence.
“Carl was a little man, but a very powerful man,” Celestine recalled. “When he talked, you listened. His main focus was always the kids, and he dedicated so much of his work to helping juveniles.”
The dedication ceremony, which included the unveiling of highway signs bearing Williams’ name, was attended by his family and community members. For Charles Williams, Carl’s first cousin, the event brought back fond memories of how Carl had personally impacted his life. Charles shared that Carl had helped him overcome his fear of technology, a testament to Carl’s ability to inspire and motivate those around him.
“Carl had that way of motivating everyone he touched,” said Charles Williams. “He broke my fear of computers, and he did that for so many others. I was overjoyed to see his legacy being honored like this.”
Although Carl passed away more than two decades ago, his memory continues to resonate in St. Martin Parish. Louvelme Abraham, the woman who raised Carl, expressed deep gratitude for the dedication, though the emotional weight of the moment was not lost on her.
“It means a lot to me to have the family around, and we all miss him,” Abraham said, her voice filled with emotion. “This is a great honor for Carl.”
The highway dedication signs, strategically placed near the street where Carl Williams grew up, serve as a lasting tribute to his tireless work and the positive changes he brought to his community. For Celestine, the recognition is long overdue but well-deserved.
“This is something Carl truly deserves,” Celestine said. “It’s a long time coming, and I think it’s only fitting that his name is forever tied to this place.”
Reflecting on Carl’s remarkable ability to juggle numerous responsibilities while always prioritizing others, Charles Williams likened him to someone managing a kitchen with multiple pots on the stove, never letting anything burn.
“He always made sacrifices for others,” said Charles Williams. “He was a person who could handle so much and still give his all to everyone. That’s what made him special.”
As the dedication signs were unveiled, Carl’s family expressed their hopes that the memorial would serve as a constant reminder to all who pass it of the profound impact Carl Williams had on his community and the lives he touched.
With this tribute, the legacy of Judge Carl Williams will continue to inspire future generations in St. Martin Parish.