MALISSA WILLIAMS
Malissa Williams , a retired teacher , and education administrator who grew up in Huntsville , Texas in the Rogersville area .
A small predominately Black community , center around a historical church , First Missionary Baptist Church-10th Street , and elementary school , Samuel Walker Houston Elementary . Williams credits the members of this community with instilling in her confidence , pride , religious education and training .
Williams is married to Willie Williams , a Huntsville native and owner of Triple J Logging , LLC . They have three adult children , who Williams tries unsuccessfully every Christmas to get to watch “ A Wonderful Life .” The retired educator enjoys reading historical fiction , watching old movies and traveling abroad .
This “ Difference Maker ,” credits her parents , Bill and Lucille Johnston , local educators with the belief , “ to never take any kindness for granted and to be thankful and gracious in victory or defeat .”
Williams works to treat others with dignity and respect . Her motto for inspiration is “ You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream .”
Williams was a teacher of English , Special Education , and ESL ( English as a Second Language ), Assistant High School Principal , School Principal and Central Office Administrator . She worked for Huntsville Independent School District and Goodrich , Texas , Independent School District .
“ To be a successful educator , you need to have a heart for children , those with challenges and those without . I would never teach or lead a school that I would not personally send my own children ,” said Williams .
Williams was recently hired by Sam Houston State University ( SHSU ) to be a mentor to new teachers through the program , 4 + 1 TEACH Program . She travels to various school where the new teachers works and observed their classroom effectiveness .
Williams ’ life philosophy “ to lead with kindness ,” and her experiences , made her the perfect person to evaluate new teachers .
Inspiration and professional advise has also come to Williams from surprising places . When Ann Froelich selected Williams as the first female African American Assistant Principal for Huntsville High School , her former band director , Richard Wuensche advised , “ when in doubt , err on the side of mercy , because most students will be grateful and not repeat . If not you will have a chance to correct those who persist in misbehavior .” Other influential mentors in Williams ’ life were Dr . Helen King , James Boyce , Roger Tedford and Clayton Waits .
Defining moments in this retiree ’ s life have been marked by
16 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2022
death , the assassinate of Dr . Martin Luther King Jr ., and her teachers reactions to the assassinate of President John F . Kennedy .
Memorable moments in Williams ’ life were in 2017 watching the total eclipse in South Carolina , a mission trip to Cuba in 2016 , an in-person performance of Andrea Bocelli , an Italian tenor , in Seattle , Wash ., visiting Black Wall Street in Tulsa , Okla ., and attending her son Jared ’ s wedding in Mexico .
When Willaims is not helping her husband with the logging business , she volunteers and contributes to the community as a Sunday School teacher at St . Paul United Methodist Church , a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority / Mu Mu Omega Chapter , a service organization , and City of Huntsville Main Street Advisory Board member .
She continues to advocates for any young person who needs a little help .
- Written by Dee Howard Mullins
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