Ever since her arrival at Claflin University, Geneva B. Williams has been a pleasant and unremitting presence at religious activities and she is still going strong.

In a tribute to her dedicated and devoted service over more than a half a century, she has been selected to serve as grand marshal for the 2009 Homecoming parade. The parade will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.

Williams has served Claflin in a number of capacities during an enduring tenure. She served as chair of the Department of Music for 27 years and also was the director of the University Choir. She was also director of the Learning Resource Center, faculty representative for the board of the Wesley Foundation, assistant dean of women, and director of campus religious events.

She currently serves as assistant chaplain and director of Power Hour, a weekly religious service open to students, faculty and staff held in James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel.

She attended Mather Academy and went on to Knoxville College of Tennessee, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music, religion and social studies. She also received a master’s in music from Northwestern University and pursued further studies at Garrick Evangelical Theological Seminary, Boston University, Union Theological Seminary, Scarriett School of Religion, Syracuse University, South Carolina State University and Fred Waring Music School.

Williams, mother to daughters Edwina and Cherryetta, has remained active in community affairs. She is a member of the American Red Cross, Orangeburg County Council on Aging, The Methodist Oaks trustee board, the Regional Medical Center Chaplain’s Board and other organizations. She holds professional membership with the NAACP, Journal of Higher Education, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Conference Fellowship and the National Journal of Music Educators, among many others. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Rose Temple #1234 Order of Elks.

Before joining the Claflin family, Williams had teaching stints at Tuskegee Institute (now University), Allen University and Bethune-Cookman College. She previously taught at Evanston Township High School and at her high school alma mater, Mather Academy.

The widow of Maj. Edward J. Williams, who was a Tuskegee Airman and a U.S. Air Force pilot, Williams is the recipient of numerous awards. She was twice presented the Francis Asbury Award from the S.C. United Methodist Conference Board of Higher Education, which also honored her with the Shirley B. Bethea Volunteer Award. She has also received the Woman of the Year Award from Trinity United Methodist Church of Orangeburg.

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