University Times

Human Resources staff member Anita J. Williams died Sept. 25, 2008, following an extended battle with cancer. She was 56.

A graduate of Cleveland State University, she came to Pitt’s HR department in 1993, where she was responsible for recruiting and placing temporary employees through All-Temps.

In addition to her work duties, Williams represented HR as a steering committee member for Pitt’s United Way campaign.

Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Ron Frisch remembered Williams as talented, artistic and sensitive to the needs of the community and people around her. “She was, bar none, one of the nicest, genuine, humble people you would ever meet in your life,” he said.

All-Temps administrative assistant Margie Schneider recalled how dedicated Williams was to helping individuals find the job that was right for them at Pitt. “She made a difference in people’s lives,” Schneider said.

Although Williams’s illness had precluded her from working in the department since November 2005, “she was always hoping to come back,” Schneider said.

“She valued people,” Schneider said, recalling Williams’s gracious nature. “She made you feel good by being in her presence. Because she was a lovely happy person, everyone was happy to be with her. She truly enjoyed life.”

Williams also valued learning and was deeply involved in her children’s education, Schneider said.

Williams is survived by her husband of 23 years, Robert Williams of Pitt’s Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education’s Instructional Media Services; sons Darnell Williams and Tyrone, Terrence, Antonio and Terrelle Howard; daughter Ariana Williams; mother Marjorie Hawkins; brother Nathan Hawkins, and 10 grandchildren.

—Kimberly K. Barlow