Uncrowned Community Builders

Julia Mae Williams was born on January 20, 1934 in Glen Rogers, West Virginia. She was the tenth of eleven siblings born to the Rev. Samuel W. Williams Sr. and Julia Ann Redd Williams. Shortly after graduating from DuBois High School in Mount Hope, West Virginia, Julia moved to Buffalo. She arrived in the city in May, 1951. Julia had a plan to pursue a secretarial career and received a diploma in Secretarial Science from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in 1954.

Julia was not afraid to step out into unexplored territory. In the early sixties, she was the first person of color to work in management at the Western Electric Plant in Tonawanda, New York. When Western Electric relocated to another state, she continued her career as a professional secretary at the General Motors Zone Office in Cheektowaga, New York. Finally, she worked at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in downtown Buffalo.

Julia joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on April 13, 1952 and became clerk and church secretary on July 12, 1957. She served faithfully in these two offices until her death. Organized, efficient, effective with a spirit of excellence describes how she served her leaders and congregation. For example, she introduced the first printed church bulletin in 1958. This bulletin format has become a standard at Pleasant Grove.

Blessed with an extremely beautiful voice, Julia sang as a professional soloist and toured in several cities including New York, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Rochester and Syracuse. She also sang with the Williams Family Singers and with the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Senior Choir for over fifty years.

Julia married Henry L. Nettles on December 23, 1954 . She met Henry at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church . The couple celebrated their Golden Anniversary in December 2004. Henry and Julia have three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.