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Helen Williams Celebrates 50 Years of Extension Service

In 1958, Helen Williams went to work as a secretary in the Virginia Cooperative Extension Amherst County Office, and she has been bringing her brand of service to the people of the county ever since.

Williams celebrated 50 years with Virginia Cooperative Extension in 2008, and those who work with her celebrate her commitment to service and dedication to her work every day. “Helen is the first person people meet when they come into our office, and she is the perfect greeter,” says William Seay, unit coordinator. “In the 28 years I have worked with Helen, our clients continually comment about how pleasant, courteous, and helpful she is. We can always count on Helen to give her best to the tasks at hand.”

There has been a lot of change throughout Williams’ career, and she notes that the most remarkable was the introduction of computers. She claims it was a bit intimidating at first, but now she views technology as a fantastic improvement to the way she does her job.

Williams knows her contributions are important to the success of the agents’ work, and she takes seriously her mission to display courtesy and a positive attitude to everyone she comes in contact with. “I have a quote hanging in my office that I try to live by,” Williams describes. “It says, ‘Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.’”

The people served by the Amherst County Extension office will continue to enjoy Williams’ presence, as she has no plans to retire anytime soon. “I’m not ready yet,” she says. “I enjoy what I do so much.”

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