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.
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
Williams 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
Williams was married to Julius T. Williams from 1948 until his death in 1964. They had four children.
Death
Williams died on February 4, 2013 in her home in Columbia, South Carolina. She was 87.
References
Other websites
Gross, Terry, "'Dear Senator', from Strom Thurmond's Daughter", Interview, National Public Radio, February 1, 2005. Rather, Dan, "Essie Mae Washington-Williams" , 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 , Frank Wheaton Official Website