Wilhemina (MINA) Williams was born November 17th, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her name means fierce protector and that encapsulates her personality. Although she only acquired a high school diploma in her life, she had a very fierce determination to better herself and her family’s situation. She worked as a laborer in a factory and became a shop steward for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She said that she knew there was more for her and her children, so she went to school and became an IBM keypunch operator. She never stopped looking for personal advancement and a better lifestyle for her family. Therefore, when a better opportunity became available, she changed jobs and began her career with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit. She retired from the MTA New York City Transit after twenty-one years of meritorious service.
Upon her retirement she relocated to North Carolina. She worked with and supported her son, Rev. Dr. Shawn E. Williams in various capacities. She was a great listener, encourager and had simple yet profound wisdom that she would share with those with whom she was close.
Wilhemina passed on her fierce pursuit of excellence to her sons, Bishop Robert L. Williams Jr. and Dr. Shawn E. Williams, by consistently enforcing the need to obtain a quality education. She inculcated in her sons, long before President Obama became the 44th president of the United States, that they could become the president if they applied themselves. Her hand was firm yet loving and consistent. She would not accept substandard grades and took time to review, correct and find the necessary help for her children in areas she did not comprehend. Although she never expressed the words of the acronym MINA, she lived and instilled the Idea that More Is Now Achievable in their lives.
Wilhemina transitioned on February 10th,2016. She is tremendously missed but her family is extraordinarily proud to have her legacy continue at MINA Charter School of Lee County.