More than 100 members of the local legal community gathered March 24 in Hamilton County Circuit Court to honor the career of retired Circuit Court Judge Marie Williams as her official judicial portrait was unveiled during a ceremony sponsored by the Chattanooga Bar Association.
The ceremony, held in the Third Division courtroom, drew lawyers, judges, family members and friends to recognize Williams’ nearly three decades of service, including her historic role as the first woman to serve as a state court judge in Hamilton County.
The portrait, commissioned through private donations raised by members of the bar, was painted by artist Sergei Chernikov and will hang prominently in the courtroom alongside those of Williams’ predecessors. Alex McVeagh, who now serves in the division, said the portrait will be displayed in the center of the courtroom near those of former judges Muecke Barker, Ted Milburn and Joe Hunter.
The event included remarks from colleagues reflecting on Williams’ leadership and influence. Retired Circuit Court Judge Hollingsworth credited Williams with steady guidance during challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic, noting her ability to keep courts “open and accessible” while maintaining focus amid uncertainty.
In emotional remarks, U.S. Magistrate Judge Mike Dumitru spoke about Williams’ mentorship and lasting impact on both his professional and personal life, describing a legacy that extends well beyond the courtroom.
“It’s a legacy that has inspired – and will continue to inspire – countless women who must navigate through what is still a male-dominated profession,” he said.
Williams, visibly moved during the ceremony, thanked her husband, Jeff Cleary, along with her children, grandchildren, former staff and colleagues.
A lifelong member of the Chattanooga community, Williams comes from a family deeply rooted in the local legal profession. Her father, Silas Williams Jr., and grandfather, Silas Williams, were both well-regarded litigators. She was educated at the Bright School and Girls Preparatory School before earning an English degree from the University of Georgia and later attending the University of Tennessee College of Law.
Williams began her legal career with the firm Spears, Moore, Rebman & Williams, where she was among the few female civil litigators in the Chattanooga bar at the time. She practiced there from 1977 until her appointment to the bench in 1995. She was subsequently elected in 1996 and reelected multiple times without opposition, most recently in 2022.
Her portrait is now on public display during business hours in Division III of the Hamilton County Circuit Court, located on the third floor of the Historic Hamilton County Courthouse.
Source: Chattanooga Bar Association