Essie Mae Washington-Williams
Essie Mae Washington-Williams (October 12, 1925 – February 4, 2013) was an American school teacher. She is best known as the oldest and natural child of Strom Thurmond, Governor of South Carolina and longtime United States Senator.
Essie Mae Washington-Williams | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | February 4, 2013 Columbia, South Carolina, U.S. | (aged 87)
Occupation | Teacher |
Spouse(s) | Julius T. Williams (1948–1964; his death) |
Children | 4 |
Parent(s) | Strom Thurmond (father) Carrie Butler (mother) |
In 2003, she came forward and announced that she was the daughter of United States Senator, Strom Thurmond. Williams said that Thurmond paid for her college. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Early life
changeWilliams was born on October 12, 1925 in Edgefield, South Carolina to Strom Thurmond and his family's 16-year-old African American servant, Carrie Butler. She studied at New York University and the University of South Carolina.
Marriage and family
changeWilliams was married to Julius T. Williams from 1948 until his death in 1964. They had four children.
Death
changeWilliams died on February 4, 2013 in her home in Columbia, South Carolina. She was 87.[1]
References
change- ↑ "Strom Thurmond's Daughter, Essie Mae Washington Williams, Dies at 87". WLTX.TV. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
Other websites
change- Gross, Terry, "'Dear Senator', from Strom Thurmond's Daughter", Interview, National Public Radio, February 1, 2005.
- Rather, Dan, "Essie Mae Washington-Williams" Archived 2013-05-22 at the Wayback Machine, Interview, CBS 60 Minutes II, December 17, 2003
- "South Carolina: Biracial Child Added To Thurmond Monument", New York Times, June 29, 2004
- More about Essie Mae Washington-Williams Archived 2010-11-05 at the Wayback Machine, Frank Wheaton Official Website