Longtime Gainesville Activist Rosa B. Williams Dies at 92

Williams was known for her tireless community work and advocacy for youth in the area.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rosa B. Williams, a longtime organizer and activist in Gainesville, Florida, has died at the age of 92. Williams was known for her extensive community involvement, serving on numerous boards and committees over the years to improve the lives of Gainesville residents, especially young people. She was remembered as a tireless advocate who worked behind the scenes to drive positive change.

Why it matters

Williams' passing marks the end of an era for Gainesville's community activism. She was a respected and influential figure who helped shape the city through her work on issues ranging from housing to youth programs. Her death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, as she was deeply embedded in the fabric of the local community.

The details

Williams died on February 12, 2026 in Gainesville, though the exact cause of death is not yet known. She was known for her involvement in an overwhelming number of community activities and committees over the years, chairing organizations like the United Gainesville Community Development Corp. and the Black on Black Crime Task Force. Williams also served on the boards of Shands Hospital, the Gainesville/Alachua County Regional Airport Authority, and the Gainesville Housing Authority, among others. She was further involved in voter registration drives, Headstart programs, and the establishment of 14 daycare centers in Alachua County.

  • Williams died on February 12, 2026 in Gainesville.

The players

Rosa B. Williams

A longtime organizer and activist in Gainesville, Florida who was known for her tireless community work and advocacy, especially for youth in the area.

Terry Bailey

Williams' niece, who stated that the cause of her aunt's death is not yet certain.

Darry Lloyd

The chief investigator for the Eighth Judicial Circuit's State Attorney's Office, who first met Williams when he was 14 years old and described her as a "mother or aunt to many people" and "an advocate for young people."

Gigi Simmons

A former Gainesville City Commissioner who said Williams mentored her and was instrumental in helping establish literacy and food distribution programs in the historic Porters community.

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What they’re saying

“She always took care of us and everybody in the community to the best of her ability. She taught me about community and about giving back without expectations to get anything in return. I just think helping others is in our bloodline.”

— Terry Bailey, Williams' niece (gainesville.com)

“She was like a mother or aunt to many people. She was an advocate for young people.”

— Darry Lloyd, Chief investigator, Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office (gainesville.com)

“It was a privilege to work alongside her on community initiatives that were rooted in service, vision, and a deep love for the people we served. She was not simply involved in community development – she embodied it.”

— Gigi Simmons, Former Gainesville City Commissioner (gainesville.com)

The takeaway

Rosa B. Williams' passing marks the end of an era for Gainesville's community activism. As a tireless advocate who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, she left an indelible mark on the city through her involvement in countless initiatives and programs aimed at improving the lives of residents, especially young people. Her death creates a void that will be difficult to fill, underscoring the importance of her lifelong dedication to service and community development.