TEXARKANA, Texas — by BJ JonesBess Gamble-Williams stands as one of Texarkana’s most prominent and widely recognized citizens. A retired U.S. Marine Gunnery Sergeant, historian, educator, philanthropist, and dedicated volunteer, she has appeared on every local television station, in regional magazines and newspapers, and at countless community events for more than twenty years. From helping lead Toys for Tots campaigns that brought Christmas joy to thousands of local children over the years to preserving the city’s rich history, mentoring families, tutoring adults, and advocating for veterans and underprivileged residents, members of the community told Texarkana News that Gamble-Williams has given tirelessly of herself to make Texarkana a stronger, fairer, and more compassionate place for everyone. Toys for Tots was started by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1947.
Yet this respected native daughter now faces an alleged Class C misdemeanor charge of trademark counterfeiting valued at between $1 and $100. Gamble-Williams emphatically maintains she committed no crime. She describes the situation as a misunderstanding, overreach, and possible retaliation connected to her long-established, legitimate role of community activism and helping to coordinate the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program in the Texarkana area. Despite the minor nature of the alleged offense — which normally carries only a fine of up to $500 and no jail time — she was arrested and spent approximately 24 hours in custody. Her supporters call the detention disproportionate, harsh, and reflective of deeper local tensions.
The charge against Bess Gamble-Williams essentially boils down to her possession of a standard promotional flyer valued at just $1 that allegedly featured the Toys for Tots logo. According to the Bowie County Sheriff’s Department, this single flyer constituted trademark counterfeiting — a Class C misdemeanor. Gamble-Williams and her supporters find the charge astonishing, noting that she had been recognized for Toys for Tots in Texarkana for over two decades. No donations had been collected, and no toys had been distributed at the time of the complaint.
In an in-depth interview, Gamble-Williams, joined by notable fellow Marines and business partners Jason C. Lisby and Stephen J. Pettus II of Shield of Valor Executive Protection, opened up about her deep family roots in Texarkana, her distinguished military career, her unwavering community service, and the events that led to her current legal challenge.
Deep Texarkana Roots: A Founding Family Legacy
Gamble-Williams’ ties to Texarkana run generations deep. Born and raised right here in the city, she proudly identifies as Choctaw. Her ancestors were among the Indigenous peoples — primarily Choctaw, along with Cherokee, Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Caddo — who lived on and helped shape this borderland long before it became the modern city we know today.
“My ancestors are one of the founders of Texarkana. My family helped settle Texarkana. Ross Perot was one of the pallbearers at my ancestor’s funeral. That’s how far back it goes.”
One of her forebears even served as a past sheriff in the region, she said. According to Gamble-Williams, her family donated the land for Highland Park School, which she attended as a child. Their historic Victorian home still stands in Texarkana as a living monument to that legacy.
She remains deeply involved with the Rose Hill community and serves as the official historian for her family. Gamble-Williams has frequently pointed out gaps in local historical narratives. She also notes that the Texarkana Regional Museum can tell visitors when the city was “established,” but not when it was “founded.” Through her research and community work, she has helped illuminate the contributions of Native Americans, Black residents, and others. She has highlighted figures such as Silas Hunt, the first Black student at the University of Arkansas, and Texarkana’s connection to the first Black supermodel to walk the runways in Paris.
“Texarkana has so much history, and they all came from Native Americans, Indigenous Americans,” she emphasized. “My mother made history. I’ve made history. We are history makers.”
Distinguished Marine Career and Professional Achievements
Gamble-Williams served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, retiring in 2003 as a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7). She served as Operations & Training Chief for Combat Service Support Detachment-21 (CSSD-21) at Cherry Point, North Carolina, and worked as a recruiter at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Her awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (4th award), and Expert Riflewoman qualification (2nd award).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, is a Certified Master Tutor for Bowie and Miller Counties, and has taught English as a Second Language. Today, she serves as Chief Financial Officer and senior partner at Shield of Valor Executive Protection. She received her private investigator license in the Commonwealth of Virginia and has federal credentials from extensive training and work at Quantico alongside FBI agents.
Two Decades Helping Lead Toys for Tots in Texarkana
Shortly after retiring, Gamble-Williams returned to Texarkana and became active with the Toys for Tots for the Texarkana area. In October of last year (2025), local police and fire department officials reached out to her to obtain toys, confirming her established role. According to Gamble-Williams, she told them that they would not be placed ahead of other groups and would be treated the same as everyone else because she wanted to make sure every child had an equal chance to receive toys and have a Merry Christmas.
“I love to see the joy of the minority babies and making sure they get toys, too… Sometimes they have not, and I made sure that wasn’t going to happen on my watch.”
Unusually Negative Local Media Coverage Causes Community Confusion
For a woman as well-known and long-serving in Texarkana as Bess Gamble-Williams, the negative local media coverage derived from what her supporters call biased police information has led to confusion in the community. Some residents have even questioned whether she is a private investigator — despite her clear Virginia license and decades of documented service. This negative tone stands in stark contrast to the positive recognition she has received for years across local TV stations and publications.
No Charges from Previous TISD Arrest in July 2024
In July 2024, Mrs. Gamble Williams said interaction with the Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) led to an unlawful arrest while she was helping a fellow Marine's disabled daughter and her mother obtain school records. She said the school district believed she was impersonating a private investigator. No charges were ever officially filed because Mrs. Gamble-Williams is a private investigator, and the alleged warrant from this incident cannot be found. Many view this and the current case as part of a pattern of targeting a strong, outspoken community leader.
Arrest at Bowie County Courthouse
The current case stems from the Toys for Tots program. A warrant was issued in October 2025, but it was not entered into the state system, she said. When Gamble-Williams went to the Bowie County Courthouse to ask the Commissioners Court to rescind the warrant — while also trying to resolve her license-to-carry permit — she was arrested on the spot. She spent approximately 24 hours in jail for what is essentially a minor infraction - not even more than a speeding ticket.
Gamble-Williams insists she committed no crime: “They’re reaching," she said.
Fellow Marines Rally: “She Has Backup”
Jason C. Lisby and Stephen J. Pettus II immediately came to Texarkana to support her. Both are decorated combat veterans and leaders of Shield of Valor Executive Protection and the Valor Elite Youth Enrichment Foundation.
“A lot of people… are intimidated,” said Lisby. “She has backup.”
“Till the day I die, we’re going to be together,” added Gamble-Williams.
Family Legal Support
Her nephew practices at the highly regarded Tyson Law Firm in Dallas, Texas, and is widely considered an excellent attorney. The family is consulting experienced counsel as they prepare their defense.
A Firecracker Personality Dedicated to the Underdog
Described as a “firecracker” with a big, energetic personality, Gamble-Williams is direct, transparent, and deeply compassionate. “What I do helps the underdog. I’m for the underdog.”
Looking Forward
Gamble-Williams wants her community to know the truth: “My main purpose is to make sure that all children during Christmas, especially my minority children, are not left out.”
“I have receipts on everything I tell you here. I am who I say I am.”
This article was written by BJ Jones and is based on an interview with Bess Gamble-Williams, Jason C. Lisby, and Stephen J. Pettus II on May 20, 2026, along with biographical information. All allegations remain pending resolution in court. Some analysis and opinion from the author have been included. The photos use AI.
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