Reaching 100 years is a reason to celebrate
Ethel Williams knew she had minimal influence about reaching her 100th birthday.
Of course, Williams wanted such a timely achievement but frequently offered this spiritual insight.
“I’m 99 and if the Good Lord sees fit for me to reach 100 then let his will be done,” Williams said.
A Saturday afternoon celebration at Shiloh Baptist Church came several days before her major event.
Even Shiloh Baptist Church Rev. Darrell Armstrong offered precautionary acknowledgment, noting Williams’ accomplishments in 99 years and 360-something days.
Armstrong prayed that Williams would be welcomed into the centenarian sorority.
No need for anxiety or concern as Williams enjoyed a lower keyed birthday party on Tuesday.
“I feel good,” Williams said. “The party at Shiloh Baptist was beautiful. I’ve spent a lot of years in the church. I knew people liked me but I didn’t know they liked me like that.”
Williams attributed her longevity to hard work and caring for others.
“I don’t drink. And I don’t smoke,” she said.
Williams, one of 13 children birthed by her parents Will and Emma McCoy, witnessed what one might expect while growing up in Stewart County, Georgia.
However, segregated schools and discrimination served as hindrances; never roadblocks.
Williams maneuvered through high school and received a teaching degree in elementary education from Albany State Normal School College.
Her resume includes a history as an elementary school teacher and principal in Plains, Ga.
In 1943, living as a single mother, Williams and her daughter, Betty, headed north to Trenton.
Williams landed a machinistpositionatGeneralMotors. Sheworkedtherefor30years.
Her religious life included a 12-year stay with Galilee Baptist Church before she joined Shiloh Baptist guided by Trenton icon Rev. S.H. Howard Woodson.
A century on Earth allowed opportunity and abundant successes.
High marks included local and national membership in the NAACP; board membership of the city’s Carver Center; civil rights movements and as a trustee for the New Jersey Federation of Colored Women’s Club.
Williams offered her educational services as a tutor in the Trenton School District.
Williams’ 60-plus years at Shiloh Baptist garnered a litany of firsts and other accomplishments.
Betty (Williams) McNair rejoiced about her mother’s presence.
“It’s a wonderful feeling. We are blessed to have mom in our lives. God’s grace and mercy has allowed this day to happen,” McNair said.
McNair laughed about a suggestion that her mother’s education history helped nurture her 50-year career as a teacher and substitute.
“Never wanted to be a teacher,” she admitted. “I always wanted to be a nurse but I spent several days working in a hospital and I knew that was not the life for me.”
What’s the perfect gift for a centenarian?
McNair treated her mother to lunch and a day at Parx Casino.