Jump to full article: AP, 2009-03-31
Author: MARY HUDETZ
Intro: At a press conference in Portland, he said the family is relieved the dispute appears to have ended but the money is not likely to alter their lives except to provide extra financial security. And it is has not yet ended the grief felt over the death of Jesse Williams, who started smoking in the 1950s while serving in the Army and died of lung cancer six months after he was diagnosed.
Sitting at a table inside a downtown Portland legal firm with her son and two daughters, Freda Williams and Joanna Hafey, Mayola Williams said the outcome of the case has left her with mixed emotions.
"I don't know exactly how I feel," Williams said. "I know you people want to hear I am joyful and excited about this because of the money that is involved, but that is not the case." . . .
Bill Gaylord, an attorney for Williams, said he expects money owed to the family will be paid soon. But he said it's uncertain whether Philip Morris' legal fight with the state will involve Mayola Williams and her family, or impact their money.
"I wouldn't assume it doesn't affect them," Gaylord said. "Philip Morris has declared a new battle front."
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