Triumphant Magazine exclusive interview with Michael E. Williams & Gloria T. Williams

FEARLESS JHONN DE LA PUENTE

SUCCESS SECRETS OF FAITHFUL PIONEERS THAT HAVE BEEN UNSELFISHLY SERVING AND GIVING BACK FOR DECADES. Page 7

Magazine

June 2021

Magazine

June 2021 Contents

Page 4 Happy 88th Birthday - Fannie Mims a.k.a. My Lovely Nana!

Page 5 Fearless - By Jhonn De La Puente Page 7 Exclusive Interview with Michael E. Williams & Gloria T. Williams find out the success strategies of faithful pioneers that have been unselfishly serving and giving back for decades - By Theresa Jordan Page 14 Diamonds in the Rough Blog - Don't Leave Your Blessing on the Table By Dr. Evelyn Bethune Page 16 Morning Glory - A Father's Trial - By Evangelist Angie BEE Page 18 A Father's Love - By Theresa Jordan Page 20 Angie BEE Productions - The Single, Saved Struggle A 2021 Volume From Audiobook Series is available now.

H A P PThY Birthday

My Lovely Nana!

My prayer Dear Lord, please continue to bless and keep my Nana.

For we know, "If it had not been for the Lord on our sides, where would we be?"

Please Lord continue to shine your face upon her, and increase your love, joy, and peace. May your surely goodness and mercy continue to follow my Nana for the rest of the days of her life in Jesus' Name.

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FEARLESS

By Jhonn De La Puente

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therefore, when I worked with Maxwell Coffee Division as Sales Representative 1 in the year 1969 within 13 months, I was promoted to an Account Manager. I became the first black Account Manager in the South for this major food chain in Atlanta, Georgia for Colonial Stores, Kroger, and HEB. I commend this company for providing excellent training, exposure, and firsthand experiences that fortified me into being a successful young, black man.

The qualities received from this prestigious corporation provided opportunities that would last a lifetime.

Triumphant: Mr. Michael Williams, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Michael E. Williams: I was raised in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and my parents were the late Clifford & Lucille Williams. I graduated from Florida A & M University and I am a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. I am past President of West Volusia, N.A.A.C.P. (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

When I finished college, I began working for Colonial Stores; they were equivalent to Publix's chain stores in Florida and beyond.

I have been a self-motivated and driven person all my life;

When I was growing up, it was not fashionable to be a black man or woman like it is today because we encountered several obstacles. Working at General Foods in the Maxwell House Coffee Division, they knew how to take care of their people, and they knew how to treat their employees “firstclass”.

Triumphant: There were several challenges in the late 1960s due to the assassination of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, and

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Malcolm X being murdered in 1965. I know the trajectory was shifted by these two incidents, and there were so many more unknown and known encounters throughout history.

Mr. Williams, we would like to take the time to commend you for being triumphant during the most difficult times in history because African Americans endured enormous obstacles and injustices in the late ‘60s, and our generation would experience injustices ourselves in the year 2020, which created a pivotal time in history for all of us.

Michael E. Williams: That is why I mentioned earlier we faced unprecedented times being a black man or woman and shows you that it was not as fashionable as it is today. The late Cicely Tyson spoke on television before her passing, January 28, 2021, about how people do not realize the price people sacrificed and contributed toward their ability to become successful and achieve the accomplishments they have today. These sacrifices were made possible by standing on the shoulders of those including myself willingness to unselfishly give and pave the way for others. These selfless humanitarian acts should be encouraged by more people, and it is imperative to have the willingness to assist others, and that is why I have wholeheartedly committed myself to effectively helping others by paying it forward.

Triumphant: What was your next career move?

Michael E. Williams: My next career move in corporate America would take me away from Atlanta, Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida. My corporate career path would later take me to Miami, Florida, as District Manager.

We would later move to Houston, Texas because I was Regional Sales Manager. I then became Division Manager; managing 26 states and had five (5) Regional Managers. Throughout my experiences, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise to leverage what would become instrumental toward my own business.

When I was given an opportunity, I demonstrated that I could do the work efficiently and effectively.

"When I was given an opportunity, I demonstrated that I could do the work efficiently and effectively."

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Triumphant: Do you have any other favorite quotes?

Michael E. Williams: My mother, Lucille Williams used to say to my siblings and me, "You have a brain just like the white man has and you just have to use it." In other words, she was telling us not to sell ourselves short when it came to what we could accomplish in life; therefore, when opportunities came my way, I used my brains, and I took advantage of every possibility afforded to me.

In 1987, I received my real estate license, and I have been working in the real estate industry for 33 years as an independent realtor.

My father, Clifford Williams owned several businesses, which included a store and cafe, and rental properties in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I can recall my father saying to my siblings and me, "You will do alright working for somebody else, but if you are going to have anything you need to do your own thing."

My mother, Lucille Williams used to say, "You are no better than the next person, but keep in mind the next person is no better than you." She would often tell us to keep our heads up, and trust in God and you are going to be okay. Both of my parents had enormous wisdom and they embedded that wisdom into their children.

"You will do alright working for somebody else, but if you are going to have anything, you need to do your own thing."

- My father, Clifford Williams "You are no better than the next person, but keep in mind the next person is no better than you."

- My mother, Lucille Williams "Keep your head up, and trust in God and you are going to be okay."

- Lucille Williams

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"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

Proverbs 31: 25 & 28

Triumphant: Mrs. Gloria Williams, can you tell us about yourself?

Gloria T. Williams: I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and I was raised by my grandparents, Percy and Emma Jeffcoat. My mother is the late Bertha Tyler, and she passed away at an incredibly young age which is why my grandparents raised me.

Triumphant: How was it growing up for you in Jacksonville, Florida?

Gloria T. Williams: Growing up in Jacksonville was impressive because I was able to observe educated people of color in our neighborhoods and they were well-diversified in various fields. There were school teachers, nurses, beauticians, store owners, and entrepreneurs and this was prevalent throughout our communities.

Triumphant: We would love to hear about your experience with meeting Mr. Michael Williams.

Gloria T. Williams: Our relationship should be considered a "whirlwind" because we met each other, TRIUMPHANT MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021 | PAGE 10

July 4, 1973, and were married four months later, which was on November 2, 1973. Mike and I recognized after the first date we were destined to be together as husband and wife.

Triumphant: What happened after the two of you got married?

We moved to Miami February, 1974, and we stayed there for a total of six years. We would later move to Houston, Texas, and we lived there for five years. Mike and I moved back to Deltona, Florida in 1985 because he wanted to be closer to his mother, Lucille Williams. After all, she was living by herself as a senior and Mike was genuinely concerned about her well-being living in Florida by herself so that is why we came back to Florida.

Triumphant: Can you tell us about your children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren?

Gloria T. Williams: We have four children: Tiffany Tyson Green, Jennifer Williams, Michael J. Williams, Clifford E. Williams. We are blessed to have 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild that was born February 4, 2021.

Triumphant: Did you have an opportunity to fulfill your heart’s desire with going back to school?

Gloria Williams: Yes, my desire with going to college and finishing was TRIUMPHANT MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021 | PAGE 11

fulfilled; therefore, I would like to let others know, "delay is not denial".

Mike and I moved to Miami and we discussed my going to college and after we agreed, I attended Miami Dade in Miami, Florida. I received my Associate Degree in Education and I received an Associate of Science Degree. When I first considered going to college, I was contemplating working with a surgical team; however, Mike and I had several discussions and concluded it would not be beneficial to pursue surgical positions because of the requirements. I would have been required to drop everything within a moment's notice and we were not willing to do this type of commitment. I wanted to save lives, but I did not realize the full extent of working in a surgical position would require of me. It was more imperative for me to be a wife to my husband and take care of our home and our children. I decided to attend Florida Memorial in Miami, Florida and my concentration was Business Administration, so my heart’s desire was fulfilled.

"Delay is not Denial."

While in Houston, Texas I became a Mary Kay Consultant and elevated to Director within two years with a team of 30 sales representatives. I earned a car and when we moved to Deltona, Florida I remained a Mary Kay Director.

I went back to school and I became a nurse; however, I continued to sell Mary Kay products. I worked at Fish Memorial for one year in Deland, Florida and then decided to become a school nurse in Seminole County. I worked at Seminole County Schools from 1993 to 2007 as a school nurse for children with mobility and health issues from birth; this position required nurses to be at the school because they could not deny children from receiving the necessary medical help they needed at school. This assignment was rewarding to me because I enjoyed working with children and I would retire from Seminole County Schools in 2007.

We hope that you have enjoyed this incredible story about Michael E. & Gloria T. Williams because they have been faithful pioneers and have proven themselves to be community leaders and changers for Volusia & Duval County, Texas, Miami, and beyond. We would like to thank both of you for making history every day in the lives of others. We appreciate your willingness to pay it forward to this generation and future generations to come.

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Michael J. Williams, the late Elic Green, Jr., Clifford E. Williams, and Michael E. Williams

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A Father's Love

By Theresa Jordan

Our Heavenly Father’s love is undeniably the greatest and even if we attempted to search all over; we would not be able to find anybody with a greater love. He is simply irreplaceable, and He looks beyond our faults and failures, and He takes care of our needs. He loves us unconditionally: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

When I think of another illustration of a father’s love, my recollection takes me back to the story in the Bible about the Prodigal Son. This scripture can be found in Luke 15: 11-32 and it has been a genuine story of a father’s love toward his son. It is the epitome of a father’s willingness to give his oldest son his inheritance before he died and the ability to experience freedom for himself. The father could have denied the son’s request; however, he gave the son a chance to come to the realization that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

This takes me back to our Heavenly Father providing the same provisions for you and me. We were considered a prodigal son and prodigal daughter at one time because we strayed ourselves and sometimes we were caught doing things our way instead of the Lord’s way; however, we knew our life was in His Hands. After all, He created the Master Plan and He has proven Himself to be an excellent provider, protector, blesses us with His goodness, mercy, grace, unprecedented love every day, and He is willing to forgive our sins and mistakes. The Father’s love displayed in this incredible story offered the same kind of love to his son because these are the attributes of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When you look at your children, you should be able to see traces of his or her father’s love. A good father provides knowledge, wisdom, becomes overjoyed with their children’s progress in life and tries to capture various stages within their lives. A father’s love displays the following attributes: excellent protectors, providers, and provides tough love whenever deemed necessary because they know it will be more valuable in the end. A father’s love will cause him to neglect himself to make sure the family and household are taken care of because they know that should be top priority.

A good father would stop everything he is doing to make sure his children are doing well; therefore, he does not hesitate to be there for his sons and daughters when they need him the most.

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When I think of strong, male characteristics that have shaped father figures, I think of men who have touched my life. This list includes: my husband, Daniel Jordan; also Conrad Reid, Keith Smith, Pastor Larry D. Chavers, Pastor Michael Robinson, Deacon Johnnie Daniels, Eugene Neal (Bartee), Trustee Al Bennett, Apostle John Hickman, Overseer Melvin Dawson, Jhonn De La Puente, Dr. L. Ronald Durham and so many more great fathers out there, and it is completely impossible to name them all.

My husband, Daniel is a prime example of endorsing the above qualities and owning that fatherly position toward my niece and nephews. In 2010, I lost my sister, Betty Jean to a house-fire incident in New Jersey, and without any reluctance at all, Daniel stepped up to plate. We had several discussions about bringing my niece Katherine to Florida to stay permanently and without hesitation - - a man without children of his own - - would immediately become a father to our niece. This was a humongous undertaking for a man and woman with no children to take a great commitment like this, especially after being married less than four years.

Moving forward to 2019, Daniel was preparing his “man cave” since Katherine was officially out of the house and had been living on her own for one year, (Praise the Lord! I’m reminded of the infamous words of the late Billie Holiday: “Mama may have, Papa may have, but God Bless the child that’s got his own.”) how many of you know our plans are not God’s plans?

Proverbs 19:21 says, “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD: that shall stand.” My mother passed unexpectedly, but God knew that before my nephew Dion was born and turned 15 years old, he would be moving back to Florida from New Jersey to finish high school.

The Lord also knew we would be responsible with finishing his rearing. God knew throughout these situations that my husband and I were going to become parents before 2010 and 2019.

It is great responsibility for any man to take care of his own children, but it is greater appreciation and responsibility when you recognize a man taking care of children that are not his own biologically; however, you would never know from my husband’s actions: Daniel treats each of them like they are his own. He is an excellent provider, role model, listener and gives tough love when necessary’ teaching our children how to become responsible adults to change the world. He teaches them how to work harder, smarter, and then they will have an opportunity to play harder later. Daniel also teaches them how to be the intelligent men and woman that God created them to be in life, and he is teaching nephew Dion how to become a remarkable man. Dion is a King, and one day in the future he will be blessed with a beautiful wife, TRIUMPHANT MAGAZINE | JUNE 2021 | PAGE 18

(no time soon; we are not rushing him! LOL) Our hope is that he will become a business owner, spend time in Japan, and go to college, and that he will always remember to keep God first. He will also remember that prayer changes things.

My husband taught Katherine the qualities of discovering her future King and the same things apply to her. (we are not rushing her either LOL) After all, the bible says a man that finds a wife finds a good thing. We are praying that they will become all that God has created them to be, and that they remember to keep God first every day of their lives.

With our nephew Richard, we are praying that God continues to keep him selfsufficient, and he will live by this quote written by Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. Our hope is that the Lord will continue to allow him to be self-sufficient every day of his life. Our prayer is that they lean on the Lord and continue to trust God’s Word. The Lord will continue to lead, guide, and protect all of our children that he has blessed us with.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the remarkable fathers out there because it should be celebrated every day. May the Lord continue to order the steps of the fathers we encounter, and may they continue to have a heart like the Father above.

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