Beverly Williams entered small-town Portage with aspirations to grow her family. Little did she know that she would lay a cornerstone at George L. Myers Elementary School through her work as a parent volunteer, a crossing guard and a classroom assistant. Even after half a century, Williams puts her heart into serving generations of elementary students.
“I know other people are going to say that their school is the best, but I love my school,” said Williams. “Even though the school has gone through different changes and teachers, I will always love my school. I don’t know what another school would be like, but I know I never want to leave here.”
Williams grew up in Gary before finding love and moving to Portage. As a diligent homemaker with three children, Williams often found herself praying for a job to keep busy. Her ideal career would be one that offered her weekends off, time to ready her kids in the morning and availability to pick them up in the afternoons. Her dream position also allowed for summers off.
“I never thought of a school job until one day when the principal came up to me and offered me a job,” said Williams. “I thought it was perfect because my older kids had started school and I was bored at home. He hired me for a substitute in Title I. That’s how I started my career, and that is how I am going to end it.”
Prior to her job offer, Williams volunteered her time to Myers Elementary in every capacity she could. Williams' commitment and reliability did not go unnoticed, and the principal recommended her for a classroom assistant position. Williams graciously accepted the role as an answer to her prayers.
Williams would next be bestowed the role of the school’s crossing guard when her predecessor moved on to becoming the school librarian. Now 23 years into being a crossing guard (alongside 38 years of full-time work), Williams continues to center her life’s mission around her kindergartners and the students she guides as a crossing guard.
“For my typical work day, I start as the crossing guard at about 7:20 in the morning until 8:55 a.m. when the tardy bell rings,” said Williams. “I start my Title I position at about 8:05 a.m., and then I’m done at 2 p.m. The hardest part, at least as a crossing guard, is dealing with wind, rain or snow. I dress for the occasion, but sometimes I might go into the school looking like a walrus.”
As a crossing guard, Williams is ready to bear all weather conditions to ensure the safety of all the students she guides. She aspires to be a cheering force in the kids’ morning hustles.
“I love this crossing job because of these kids,” said Williams. “Seeing them come to school brings me joy. Some of them are so excited that they’re just bouncing. Others will come not happy, and you try to cheer them up as they’re crossing by and make them feel a little bit better. This has shown me that there’s always some way to reach a child.”
In her position as a Title I assistant, Williams aims to provide instructional support for her fellow teachers. She provides supplementary instruction for students who are in need of extra help. This past year marked her full transition into the position, which she plans to stick with.
“It’s always a great year for me,” said Williams. “I love working with students and seeing their eyes and brain light up. It is wonderful seeing the kids grow throughout the year. They should be proud of themselves because they work so hard.”
Williams extends her gratitude for being able to serve generations of Portage families who have chosen Myers Elementary as their educational foundation. In the same manner, Williams’ family now encompasses eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren—many of whom have become Myers Elementary students. In essence, Williams’ career has become a grand timeline of Portage history.
“I’ve been in Portage all of my married life,” said Williams. “We first moved here when my firstborn was 6 months old. I loved it as a small town. Over the years, it got bigger. I love talking about the change. I used to look out my living room window and see cornfields. Now it’s good to see Portage grow into a bigger city, and it melts my heart to see students return here as adults just to say hi.”
Outside of work, Williams enjoys the delights of spending time with family and friends.
“I like to keep busy,” said Williams. “I’ve been a widow for a while, but I have wonderful friends who never leave me out of anything. I always say I’m a tagalong. If people are going to do something, I’m always included. I am also a judge at the Fourth of July Parade, which I have done for 50 plus years.”