The Spotsylvania County government is mourning the loss of Commissioner of the Revenue Deborah Fisher Williams.
Williams died this past Monday at age 74.
Williams’ career spanned nearly 40 years, including three decades as commissioner of the revenue. She began her career in Spotsylvania as a county employee, and in 1995, she was selected to fill the unexpired commissioner of the revenue term of her mother-in-law, Mary B. Williams.
“Ms. [Deborah] Williams was a highly respected fixture in the community, devoting more than half her life to serving Spotsylvania County residents,” a press release from the county stated.
To fill the vacancy, the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors will petition the circuit court to schedule a special election. Deputy Commissioner of the Revenue Janet Lloyd will assume the duties of the commissioner until someone is elected to finish the term, which expires Dec. 31, 2027.
Williams was initially hired in 1987 for a temporary position examining business professional and occupational licenses. In 1988, she became the full-time meals tax administrator before she advanced to a supervisory role in 1994. Later that year, she was requested to serve as assistant to the commissioner and began her commissioner tenure on Jan. 1, 1996.
Spotsylvania County voters selected her to serve four-year terms in successive elections, with her most recent reelection in November 2023. The release noted that she saw the county’s population increase from 77,000 to more than 150,000 in her career.
Williams was described as someone who was “truly a trusted friend to all,” and who will leave a lasting legacy.
“Ms. Williams was a proud resident of Spotsylvania County, widely respected for her dedication to public service, both locally and across the Commonwealth,” the release stated. “With an unflappable nature, she took great pride in serving Spotsylvania residents and was committed to providing excellent customer service.”
Williams’ obituary and arrangements can be found here.
