When the mastery of words and an innate commitment to serve the underserved are seamlessly merged, the result is someone like Barbara Williams.
Words possess power. Service is the gift we give others. When the two are combined, the effect is even more powerful.
A native of San Antonio, Barbara has been a member of Impact San Antonio since 2014. She is probably best known for her two years as Sponsorship Co-chair on the Impact SA board. Her hard work, along with Co-chairs Cathy Ritter and later Joy Exiner, substantially increased our number of sponsors.
“I came into Impact because I was so taken with the power of the way it is structured,” she said. “The idea that your $1,000 [membership] is multiplied many times over, and every penny goes to grants sold me. It continues to be my No. 1 selling point for the organization.”
Barbara, a retired teacher and school administrator, married George Williams 55 years ago. They have been blessed abundantly in their lives and have chosen to live by the quotation on a plaque in their study, “We are placed on this earth not to see through people, but to see people through.” They are proud of their son, daughter and four grandchildren, who also are committed to helping make a difference in the lives of others.
For many years, Barbara has directed her spare time toward those ill-equipped to live unassisted. In addition to her dedication to Impact SA, she and George remain involved at Mission Road Developmental Center, where the potential of those with cognitive disabilities is emphasized. Friends of Hospice, where no one is denied care due to lack of ability to pay, is another of Barbara’s passions. This past year she chaired the Power of Women Luncheon for City Year San Antonio, an organization focused on improving the educational opportunities for students who need extra encouragement and academic mentoring. She also holds a leadership position on the Blessed Sacrament Academy Council, and she is involved in a number of ministries and leads a Sunday school class at First Baptist Church.
In her 35 years as an educator, Barbara taught fourth grade through high school, was Associate Headmaster and teacher at San Antonio Academy, and was principal of Buckner Fanning School at Mission Springs while also teaching classes. She made learning fun and interesting for her students. She held mock trials with sixth graders serving as prosecuting and defense attorneys. Eight-year-olds interviewed well-known San Antonio professionals for insight into future career paths. Many of her former students keep in touch with her, which has brought great joy to her and George through the years.
Although Barbara Williams only stands 4-foot-11, she casts a large shadow. To her, words and selfless service are inseparable.
