Senate Resolution No. 1558
BY: Senator SCARCELLA-SPANTON
MOURNING the death of Margaret D. Williams,
legendary vocalist and community leader
WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Margaret D. Williams was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, With profound sorrow and deep regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Margaret D. Williams, a beloved resident of Coney
Island, Brooklyn, New York, who died on January 23, 2026, at the age of
83; and
WHEREAS, Margaret D. (Ross) Williams was born on July 19, 1942, in
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Mary Ross and John Porter, and moved
to Brooklyn, New York, as a teenager, where she would establish deep
roots and a lifelong connection to the Coney Island community; and
WHEREAS, While attending high school in Brooklyn, Margaret became
actively involved in music programs, nurturing a passion and talent that
would define her extraordinary life; and
WHEREAS, As a young adult in the late 1950s, Margaret D. Williams
joined the renowned girl group The Cookies, alongside Earl-Jean McCrea
and Dorothy Jones, becoming an integral part of one of the most
influential vocal groups of the doo-wop and Brill Building eras; and
WHEREAS, The Cookies achieved national and international success,
recording and performing songs written by legendary songwriters such as
Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and collaborating with iconic artists
including Neil Sedaka, Mel Torme, Little Eva, and others; and
WHEREAS, Their hit recordings, including "Chains" and "Don't Say
Nothin'," reached the Billboard Top 40 charts in the 1960s, with
"Chains" later recorded by The Beatles on their 1963 debut album, Please
Please Me, further cementing the group's enduring influence on popular
music; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of their significant contributions to
American music, The Cookies were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of
Fame in 2002 in Cleveland, Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Margaret D. Williams continued to preserve and celebrate
The Cookies' legacy for decades thereafter, performing in concerts
throughout the United States, Europe, and Spain until her passing; and
WHEREAS, After years of touring, Margaret D. Williams returned to
Coney Island, where she remained deeply engaged in her community,
continuing to sing professionally and dedicating her voice to sacred
music as a devoted member of the Coney Island Gospel Assembly Church on
Neptune Avenue, where she sang in the choir and volunteered her talents
for church events, activities, and funerals; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she was a dedicated public servant, retiring
after 33 years of service with the New York City Department of Health,
Prison Health Services, and an active member of Union DC37, Chapter
1549; and
WHEREAS, Margaret D. Williams was a cherished participant and
supporter of the Coney Island History Project, sharing her personal
history and experiences in a 2004 interview, and proudly cutting the
ribbon to open the Boardwalk Memory Booth in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Margaret D. Williams was predeceased by her husband, Ronnie
Williams, and her mother, Mary Ross; she is survived by her loving
children, Anthony and Joe Williams; her grandchildren, Jasmine, Jade,
and Anthony Jr.; her great-grandchildren; her sister, Ella Brown; and
her brothers, Milas Ross and Pete Jackson, all of whom cherish her
memory and celebrate a life marked by faith, service, music, and love;
and
WHEREAS, Margaret D. Williams will be remembered as a trailblazing
artist, devoted public servant, faithful church member, and a pillar of
the Coney Island community whose voice uplifted generations and whose
legacy will endure; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Margaret D. Williams, and to extend its deepest
condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her
remarkable life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Margaret D. Williams.
