The number 13 has always been significant in Geraldine Williams’ life. Her mother died on the 13th, her son — who passed away five years ago — was born on the 13th. She even said her address number is 1331.

And on Oct. 13, Williams celebrated her 50th anniversary working at SU. But she said it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long at all.

Williams has been working at SU Food Services for the past five decades in jobs at Haven Hall, Washington Arms and Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center. She is now a group leader at Manley Field House’s dining center.

Originally from Trenton, Tennessee, Williams moved to Syracuse about 13 years after her mother. Williams’ father had passed away and her mother was struggling with the loss.

When Williams moved to the city, her first job was at a local hospital. But when her great nephew, who was a baby at the time, passed away in the hospital, she couldn’t stand going to the area.

Her mother, who was working at SU already, encouraged her to apply to the university, and she was hired. Her first job there was at Haven Hall, where she worked for 10 years. Eventually she moved to the kitchen in Washington Arms, where she got a raise and was promoted to a group leader.

Although she was warned not to go to that kitchen because it was hard, Williams said she enjoyed it and loved working there because it was like family to her. When she was told that the kitchen there was closing, she said she just couldn’t stop crying.

When she got home, her mother asked what had happened, but said, “Well, you stop crying,”

“My mother was very religious, and she could really see things ahead of time,” Williams said. “God closes one door, another door open. At the time I couldn’t see it.”

After working at Washington Arms, Williams moved to the commissary, and then Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center. Now, Williams is working at Manley Field House in the dining center for the football team and coaches.

Leading up to the anniversary, Williams dropped hints about the big day. But on the anniversary, Williams said no one had congratulated her.

“You know, it didn’t bother me a whole lot, but it bothered me a little bit,” Williams said.

That was until a cake and balloons were brought out, and Williams realized she was being surprised. Williams said her manager, some of the football players, all of the football coaches and Sue Bracy, director of Food Services all came to the surprise. They also invited her sister and her friends.

She said she was holding back tears. “Oh, it was just, it was the best because I never had a surprise.”

Williams received a jersey with her name on it and a football for the anniversary.

“You can’t not help but fall in love with Gerry,” Bracy said. “She’s out there. She’s very vibrant. Everybody at Food Services knows who she is, she just drags you in.”

A student once called Williams “Babydoll” in her early years while working at Washington Arms, and the nickname recently resurfaced. She said she works Mondays on family night with the coaches, and they call her Babydoll.

Williams said despite her early hours, the players energize her. She said she feels like a second mom that she takes care of someone else’s kid when they’re not around. She said when she was growing up, everyone acted like your parents. This included principals, teachers and neighbors.

“It’s rewarding. It’s a good feeling that I can put a smile on somebody’s face or encouraging them to stay in school, or do better on the football field,” Williams said. “It’s worth it.”

Published on November 6, 2019 at 12:14 am

Contact Allison: alweis@syr.edu