Shirley Ann Williams' Obituary
Tribute to Shirley Ann Jenkins Williams
Shirley Ann Jenkins Williams was one of the first African American women to be accepted into Samuel Merritt’s Nursing Diploma Program in 1968. She graduated from McClymonds High in Oakland, Ca and trailblazed her way at Samuel Merritt School of Nursing to complete her nursing diploma in 1971. I’m so honored and grateful to write this tribute about my Mother, Shirley Ann Williams.
When I was in nursing school, I asked my Mom, how did you do it. She said with grace, you can do it, too. Her reply’s were always calm and reassuring when I would tell her about some of the challenges I would go through in nursing school and at work. I would feel strong, enlightened and encouraged by her motivation.
My Mom, was a natural motivator, inspiration and mentor to a lot of her family, nursing classmates, new nurses,co-workers and colleagues.
I can’t imagine some of the trials and struggles she went through during nursing school and working as a Nurse and Black woman during the late 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. She told me about some of the hardships as an example for me to be encouraged.
1968 was a a year of change for many African-Americans. I know my Mom was on the front lines doing her thing, her own way and style. She was more of a grass roots type of person who loved to talk with you if you were going through something. She was a strong believer in God and used her faith.
The year Shirley graduated from nursing school BABNA, Bay Area Black Nurses Association was formed in the early 1970’s. My Mom remembered the beginnings of BABNA and the meetings she attended.
Throughout her career, she worked in the Bay Area from 1971 to the mid 1990’s witnessing change in the health care industry, and the world. Shirley worked as a NICU Nurse, ICU, Public Health, Med-Surgical and Medical Advice Nurse during her nursing career.
As a child and as well as my siblings, we witnessed our Mom in Elementary School advocating how important it was to wash your hands among staff and students to decrease infection. She attended PTA meetings and would have her Health Section and display on washing hands and covering your mouth when you cough. During the early 1990’s, Shirley worked with Dr.Kline from Kaiser Hayward on HIV awareness and prevention at Skyline and Castlemont High School.
If there was a car accident and we drove by it. She would get out of the car and assist in anyway she could to help stabilize who ever was hurt, when she was physically able to.
At church she would often assist if someone was sick until the ambulance arrived.
After retiring, her work as a nurse was not done. She often would be a nurse advocate for friends, former co-workers, church members, and family.
They say it’s a small world in the nursing community and it is.
I have met a few nurses, one of which was a nursing instructor, Gloria Meads. Turns out Gloria was one of my Mother’s nursing instructors at Samuel Merritt in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s as well as one of my instructors, when I was in nursing school in the early 2000’s.
Gloria Meads described my Mom as one of her best students. I remember having an interview before I became a RN and the interviewer remembered my Mom as a nursing classmate and described my Mom as fun and a determined person. Wilma Roundtree was a mentor to my Mother during her younger days as a nurse and trained me as well.
My Mom was a good nurse and person. I’m blessed to have had her as my Mother.
I’m blessed to have celebrated my Mom before hospice began.
So, I’m happy I was able to read part of this tribute to her while she was able to hear me.
I’m proud to have seen my Mom’s passion as a nurse and to care for people who needed someone.
Thank you 🥰🥰
Mom 😇😇😇🙏🏾🙏🏾
Love always,
Regina 😊
Bird of Paradise, Mom’s favorite flower
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?