The Center for Energy Education Friday honored the legacy of the late Chester Williams, the CEO and founder of the nonprofit A Better Chance, A Better Community. 

Williams’s mother, Maybell, received the C4EE Community Impact Honor during its Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Service Program.

“As we reflect on the life of Chester Williams … and while we grieve, we remain committed to the work he cared for so deeply,” C4EE Executive Director Mozine Lowe wrote in a letter for the program. “His loss is deeply felt, and we hold his family and community in our hearts.”

Williams, who died on December 8 at the age of 45, was an inspiring leader who changed the lives of many in the Roanoke Valley and beyond, she said. “His steadfast focus on a better chance was especially felt by our young population. The lives he touched will lead to a better community.”

Williams, Lowe wrote, dedicated his life to strengthening underserved communities, advocating for justice, and ensuring that every voice — especially those too often overlooked — was heard.

As founder of ABC2, the letter said Williams worked tirelessly to create opportunities, challenge inequities, and inspire others to lead with purpose. “The Dawson Resiliency Hub was his dream. Chester’s center is a gathering place for many. It is where we share a common vision — a healthier, more inclusive and sustainable future for all. It is where we watch his dream come to life — a place for learning, fellowship and community spirit. It will be up to all of us to continue his vision — A Better Chance, A Better Community.”

Courtney Patterson, who presented the award to Mrs. Williams, said, “Chester Williams’s life was about serving. He was teaching young people how to grow vegetables and provide food.”

He said Williams’s goal was to make sure children all across the state had meals at school “because many of them didn’t have them at home.”

Patterson said, “I’m honored to stand here with Mother Williams. I’m honored to have known and learned from Chester Williams and to know what he meant when he said a better chance, a better community.”

Lowe said the work that Williams did laid a foundation for community service. “We believe that his work will be a lasting legacy which will continue to shine. Your ongoing efforts will continue to uplift and transform lives within our region.”

After accepting the award, Mrs. Williams said, “I am so proud of my son and all y’all working with him in the community. I’m proud of the young people.”

ABC2 will continue, she said. “I’m going to continue to do my best with the help of God and with the help of the community. We’re going to move forward and continue to work together like Chester and God would want us to.”

Linda Wiggins, an ABC2 board member, said, “We as board members of ABC2 plan on continuing his legacy in the future with God’s help and with the community’s help.”

Tawana Smallwood, who was chosen as the organization’s interim director, said, “It is my desire to glorify God in this position and to continue Chester’s legacy. We don’t want to stop it. We want to expand it. We don’t want to contain it to North Carolina. We want it to stretch out to the nation.”