Lewis Williams selected as 2025 Greg Kennedy Community Service Award recipient

The Southfield Total Living Commission (TLC) presented the Greg Kennedy Community Service Award posthumously to Lewis Williams at the City Council meeting on December 15. The Greg Kennedy Community Service Award recognizes Southfield residents who have been involved in the community and exemplify community spirit through their attitude, activities, and volunteer efforts.

Mayor Kenson Siver and TLC Chair Deborah Walton-Medley formally presented the award to Lewis Williams' family during the City Council meeting. Williams was a longtime member of the Total Living Commission, having served for 16 years. He passed away on June 17, 2025.

For years Lewis Williams served and was a regular speaker at city council meetings, told us how he believed things should be in the city, and was a stellar member of our Total Living Commission," stated Southfield Mayor Dr. Kenson Siver.

"Lewis Williams was part of total living commission for a number of years, and we can all attest to the knowledge that we gained from his history and commitment to our city and his involvement in the community," stated Debroah Walton Medley, Total Living Commission Chair. "We wanted to take this opportunity to nominate him and grant him this very prestigious award."

"We are very excited and happy that this honor was bestowed upon my father," stated David Williams, son of Lewis Williams. "Those that knew my father knew that he really cared for this city. One thing I learned from my father was to voice your opinion but do it in a way that people can hear you. On behalf of my family, we are thankful that the City of Southfield bestowed this award to my father Lewis Edward Williams for his service."

"I had the honor of serving with Lewis on the Total Living Commission for 6 years prior to joining City Council and when I joined, Williams gave me the history of Southfield and the projects of the Total Living Commission," stated Councilman Ari Mandelbaum. "He was like a father figure to the commission with his knowledge."

Nominations for this prestigious award were reviewed by the City's Total Living Commission with recommendations made to City Council.

About Lewis Williams

For more than three decades, Williams called Southfield home, residing in the community for 31 years. During that time, he exemplified the true essence of service, humility, and leadership. His life was a powerful testimony of faith, dedication, and quiet heroism.

Williams served on the Total Living Commission for 16 years and was an active participant and regular attendee. He was thoughtful and respectful, even when disagreeing with others. Williams regularly attended City Council meetings and spoke on topics he was passionate about. He also attended Southfield School Board meetings and was deeply committed to ensuring Southfield remained a thriving city while preserving its traditions.

Williams proudly served his country and his community with distinction. On a national level, he dedicated over 40 years of combined service to the United States through his time in the Air Force and continued Federal service thereafter. His commitment to excellence, integrity, and duty reflected his deep love for his nation and its people.

Beyond his professional and military achievements, Williams was a pillar of faith and community service. As a deacon in the Church of God in Christ for more than 35 years, he ministered to countless individuals through prayer, mentorship, and acts of compassion. His steadfast devotion to uplifting others extended far beyond the church walls-his presence was felt in homes, schools, and community events throughout Southfield.

Williams embodied the spirit of an unsung hero. His consistent example of selflessness, humility, and genuine care for others inspired all who knew him. His legacy continues through his family, his church, and the many lives he touched across generations.

About the Greg Kennedy Community Service Award

The Greg Kennedy Community Service Award was established in 1999 to honor the legacy of community activist Greg Kennedy by encouraging residents to engage in public service. Kennedy was one of Southfield's first residents and demonstrated his commitment to the city throughout his lifetime. He established the city's first Southfield Homeowners Coalition and annually sent numerous low-income children to attend the Shriners Circus. He visited senior homes in Southfield weekly to help, entertain, and listen. He was an outspoken advocate for seniors and young people alike and was known for standing up for others' rights.

Since its inception, there have been ten past recipients of the award, including: Samuel P. Havis (2000); Jacqueline Nelson (2001); Muriel Zweigel (2003); Jonathan Adams (2016); Roger Goolsby (2017); Pat Haynie (2018); Rosemerry Allen (2019); Sabrina Heller (posthumously, 2022); Delores Flagg (2023); and Darla van Hoey (2024).