HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC185_WILLIE_J_BROCKMAN_COLLECTIONWillie J. Brockman Collection
AC -185
Willie J. Brockman (Mrs. Bois L. Brockman) was a city
employee for more than 35 years (1929-1959), serving under 13
different mayors. She was city manager for 11 years, from 1998 to
1959. She was one of only a handful of women city managers across
the United States, and probably the only woman city manager of a
city with more than 90,000 in population. When she left office in
1959, a city farewell resolution was signed by more than 800
persons, possibly every city employee.
Willie J. (Deaton) Brockman was probably born in Doucette,
Tyler County, Texas, sometime between 1906 and 1910. Newspaper
clippings report that she grew up in Doucette, Warren, and
Colmesneil until her family moved to Beaumont when she was 13.
Upon graduation from South Park High School in about 1929, she
took a job with the City of Beaumont as secretary to the city
attorney. She soon transferred to the city clerk's office,
eventually becoming city clerk. She became city manager in 1998,
after F.S. Baden left that position to be Beaumont Post Master.
She served as city manager until her retirement in 1959.
The Willie J. Brockman Collection is approximately 1/9 cubic
feet in volume, consisting of various news clippings, letters, and
memorabilia. Approximately 30 black & white photographic prints
are also included. These items were donated by Mr. Jerry Godkin (a
family member) in April 1993.