Geneva Caldwell Williams

Geneva Caldwell Williams was born in the township of Rock Hill, SC on December 31, 1930. She was loved, cherished and motivated by her parents, the late Willie C. Caldwell and the late Mary Neely Caldwell. Geneva took advantage of the opportunities provided by her parents to explore avenues that led to a happy and productive life. Geneva was proceeded in death by her loving husband, the late Oscar Willliams. She leaves behind one stepson, Oscar William Jr.; four stepdaughters, Shelia Moore, Linda Jackson, Doretha Robinson Harry), and Sallie Pearl Mathis. Eight grandchildren, Tracy, Messaline, Melissa, Yvette, Sharonda, Tamika (Toby), Kai, Khary. She was blessed with three brothers, the late Willie James Caldwell (Geneva), Roosevelt Caldwell (d. Betty) and David Lee Chisholm (Ann); two sisters the late Diane C. Hicklin and Jackie C. Tatum (Ronald). Two brothers-in-law Randall Williams and J.T. Willliams. One Aunt, Florence Caldwell. Two nieces Kimberly Caldwell and Deborah Payne (Bryan). Three nephews Alan Caldwell, Vincent Hicklin (Fontella) and Lamont Caldwell. One Aunt, Florence Caldwell.

Geneva was born into Foundation A.M.E. Zion Church, where she participated in various Youth and Junior Programs. As a young woman, she relocated to New York. There she joined Washington Temple Church of God in Christ, in Brooklyn, NY with her loving grandmother Lessie Neely Washington (Big Mama). Geneva later joined Allen A.M.E. Church in Jamacia, NY, where she became a member of various choirs, Nora Taylor Missionary Society and the Stewardess Board. She returned to South Carolina and rejoined Foundation A.M.E. Zion Church.

Geneva was a member of the first twelve year graduating class at Emmet Scott School in 1949. She later earned an associate degree from Friendship Junior College, in Rock Hill, SC; her Bachelor of Science Degree from Johnson C. Smith University, in Charlotte NC; and her Master of Science from New York City University, in New York, NY. She continued her thirst for knowledge and acquired many professional certifications in education.

During her twenty-seven-year tenure with the New York City Board of Education, Geneva was a teacher, Health Counselor, Dean and Administrator. Upon retiring, Geneva opened GCW Progressive School, in Roosevelt, NY, through New York State Social Service until she fully retired and moved back to South Carolina.

Geneva was the Past Matron of Thyra Tira Order of the Eastern Star, Chairperson of the Brooklyn Knight Women Club and a member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Tau Omega Graduate chapter.

In addition to her immediate family, Geneva leaves a host of cousins and friends to mourn her passing.