Monroeville woman lived for 'God, family and friends'
Anita Williams was considered a star in the human resources department at the University of Pittsburgh.
"She was kind, humble and one of the best employees we ever had," said Ronald Frisch, vice chancellor of the department. "Even when she was ill, she went out of her way to take care of her clients. She was detailed and could handle multiple projects."
Anita Jeanine Williams of Monroeville died of cancer on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, at her home. She was 56.
Margie Schneider, who worked with Mrs. Williams, said she made everyone she met feel that they had value.
"And she was proud of her family and their desire for a good education," Schneider said.
Robert Williams, an information specialist at Pitt, said his wife's life "was centered around God, family and friends. Of course, Anita loved good food and a good cup of coffee and the food at the Original in Oakland."
Among her numerous community activities, Mrs. Williams volunteered for United Way, helped paint a house for a needy family, campaigned for AIDS prevention and chaperoned numerous events at the Ellis School, where her daughter is a student.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Mrs. Williams was one of three children of Marjorie Hawkins of Monroeville and the late William Milton Hawkins.
"Anita came from a musical family of fine voices who entertained in the Cleveland area," said her husband. "She had a fine voice and wanted to pursue a singing career."
Singers and musicians visited her home while she was growing up, he said.
"And in later years, when Anita graduated with a business degree from Cleveland State University and moved to Los Angeles with the hopes of starting a musical career, she had the opportunity to be reacquainted with Roxy Roker of 'The Jeffersons' and Robert Guillaume of 'Soap,'" said Robert Williams.
The couple met in New York City while she was visiting her grandmother. They married in 1985 and moved to Pittsburgh in 1993.
"She loved the people of Pittsburgh and considered them not only friendly, but genuine and sincere," Robert Williams said.
"It didn't take her long to become a Pittsburgher. She enjoyed walking along Grandview Avenue on Mt. Washington and the rides at Kennywood Park."
In addition to her husband and mother, Mrs. Williams is survived by her sons, Tyrone and Terrelle Howard of Atlanta; Terrence and Antonio Howard of Philadelphia, and Darnell Williams of Monroeville; a daughter, Ariana Williams of Monroeville; 10 grandchildren; and a brother, Nathan Hawkins of Wilkinsburg.
She was preceded in death by a brother, William Hawkins.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Gene H. Corl Inc. Funeral Chapel & Cremation Center of Monroeville, 4335 Northern Pike.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, 2110 Andrew Drive, Wilkinsburg.
