Uncrowned Community Builders

Bennie (Smith) Williamson was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on February 16, 1935. She was the oldest of four children born to Mack Smith (1900-1982) and Mary Elizabeth (Williams) Smith (1907-1969). Bennie has twin siblings Edna (now deceased) and Edward, and a younger sister Mary.

Bennie attended schools in Vicksburg and graduated from Bowman High in 1954.

With a lack of opportunities in the South, she moved to Niagara Falls, New York to live with her Aunt Daisy (mom's sister) and shortly after arriving attended and graduated from the Trott Vocational School of Nursing in 1956.

Bennie gained employment at Memorial Medical Center where she worked for about 6 months, then discovered a better position at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital where she worked about 10 years as a nurse. Bennie finished her professional career with the Department of Social Services for Niagara County where after 25 years of service, retired in 1996.

Since retiring, Bennie has kept busy with her involvement in numerous community support groups, and of course New Hope Baptist Church.

What you might not know about Bennie is that she loves to sew, and with a needle and thread could create almost anything. Formals or knickers, and if the budget didn't allow for new clothes, Bennie made them, many times driving to Canada to get a special material. Her children and husband always wore the latest styled clothes.

Bennie marred the love of her life, William Williamson on August 5, 1961.
Bennie and William raised two children, a son William B. and daughter Tara.
Her son William B. has two daughters, Princess and Milan, and Tara has one daughter Jasmine, giving Bennie and William three grandchildren.
Bennie and William make their home in Niagara Falls, New York.
Bennie was asked several questions:
What was the happiest moment of your life? "My marriage in 1961, Caring for my babies, Christmas as a child, Easter Sunday Morning."

What are you most proud of? "My family and the score of 96.5 I received on my New York State Nursing exam."

What are the most important lessons you've learned in life? "Think twice and speak only once, The universe is vast; once words are expelled from your tongue they are repeated on the mind of the hearer, Love people and use things, not to love things and use people, Use your head to handle yourself, and your heart to handle people."