Rosemary Benevides Williams

On June 4th, the North Gwinnett Arts Association lost a beloved member. Rosemary Benevides Williams died due to complications from Diabetes.

Vickie Johnson, president of the NGAA, said Williams was an incredible person in so many ways.

“She was highly intelligent, extremely creative, and the kind of person that lifted up all of those around her,” Johnson said. “She never stopped planning for her next art project, taking every endeavor very seriously, and she always did her very best to encourage those around her who were struggling to find their own way through the trials and tribulations we all deal with, and she felt art was an important way to cope with what might ail a person.”

Williams, who Johnson called the anchor of the organization’s Open Studio, located at unit B-6 Charleston Marketplace Street in Town Center, was environmentally conscientious, always welcoming, and a spokesperson for the group full of information and encouragement.

Williams was 66, and Johnson described her as a “young 66 year old” who would dress for Halloween with a streak of purple in her thinning hair because it was fun.
“And laughing, laughing, laughing when my granddaughter, Gabby, would ask her for a treat, and then want to paint with her,” Johnson said. “She was just a ball of love.”

Williams is survived by her husband, Richard, of 37 years.