THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 16, 1995 TAG: 9504140160
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Mildred Williams' words are filled with gratitude. ``I praise the bridge which carries me over,'' she is quick to say.
The petite great-grandmother has worked as a custodian at Great Bridge Primary School for 30 years.
During that time, she said, ``My good days have outweighed my bad days.''
During a tour of the building she has grown to think of as her own, she proudly pointed out the office, the library, the cafeteria and the 24 classrooms which she faithfully cleans.
``Every day is better than the day before,'' she said. ``My co-workers are great. For the last eight years I've had a wonderful principal. This is like family here. Everyone treats me with respect.
``I say, `Thank you, Lord,' when I get to work in the morning because he got me safely over the highways,'' she said. ``I thank him that the day is over and that he gave me strength for another day.''
In June, when she retires, Williams will take with her a treasure-trove of memories about the children at the school, too.
She'll recall their friendly greetings and warm smiles.
She'll remember retrieving countless items - pencils, tablets, scarves, hats, lunch boxes, coats, pocket books and even $40 left in the restroom by a second-grader.
Some of these items were never claimed at ``Lost and Found.''
``The children are very special,'' she said. ``They are polite. Even though I'm the custodian, when I say something, they listen.
``I'm going to leave something to the community,'' she said. ``I might write a book about Great Bridge Primary.''
According to the school's principal, Williams has already made her mark, and it is a positive one.
``Mildred works with the people here the way she works with her own family,'' said Eugene Welton.
``She's a team player. She looks out for people all the time to see if she can provide a listening ear or give moral support which people need at various times.
``If Mildred sees a child running when he shouldn't be, she cautions the child,'' Welton added.
``When we have that kind of support from the entire staff, we can provide the kind of education we want to provide. When children see unity in terms of expectations, then they will do their best to reach those goals.''
Her plans for retirement include seeing more of her great-granddaughter, who lives in Pennsylvania, and a greater involvement in her church, Discipleship Baptist Church in Portsmouth.
And if someone should ask, Williams just might agree to sing her rendition of ``I Don't Know About Tomorrow.''
Full name: Lillie Mildred Williams
Grew up: In Bells Mill
Fond childhood memories: ``I really loved my mother. From the time I was a little girl, I never wanted to be away from her.''
Spouse: James Williams
Children: Karen A. Moore and Ronald J. Harper. ``I have a grandson, Jared. My pride and joy is my great-granddaughter, Deraj.''
Occupation: Custodian at Great Bridge Primary School
Favorite song: ``I Don't Know About Tomorrow''
Favorite movie: ``Steel Magnolias''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``To gain a little weight.''
Favorite TV program: ``Under One Roof''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Chesapeake Pizza and Old Country Buffet
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``I love to travel.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB