Rebecca J. Williams

Rebecca J. Williams and her family came to Chanute Air Force base on August 31, 1960. Since, Rebecca could not get employment in the Rantoul school system, she began teaching in Danville, Illinois. She taught there for one year before leaving for Libya. Rebecca taught in the U.S.A. dependent schools before returning to Chanute in July 1968. Upon her return, she became Director of Headstart, serving in that position for two years. During that time, she expanded the program to a church located in Rantoul, which, in turn, expanded the program outside the city limits of Champaign-Urbana. After two years, Rebecca applied again to Rantoul High School and was hired. She taught English in the high school from September 1970 through May 1994. Her efforts in the 60s opened opportunities for employment of minorities in Rantoul.

Rebecca was active in several organizations. She was the President of the National Council of Negro Women, office holder in Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and a member of Business and Professional Women. She was an active member in the American Association of University Women and the Parish Council of Catholic Women. She was also a member of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association.

Rebecca received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama State Teachers College, and a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago. She did post graduate work at the University of California in Berkeley and the University of Illinois.

Rebecca J. Williams passed away on July 18, 2002.