Late last week, Rachel L. Jones Williams, a 2006 graduate of Elizabethtown College and member of the Alumni Council, passed away at the age of 44 having faced serious health issues for several years.
A Harrisburg native, Williams attended Etown at the age of 34 as a traditional student. Williams studied history and women and gender studies. She founded the Noir club and was an active member on the Intercultural Board and the Integrity Committee. In 2005, as president of Noir, Williams, with help from faculty, staff members and students, was able to create the first MLK Day celebration at Etown. This celebration has continued since 2005, and the program sponsors events that connect Dr. King’s dream to contemporary issues. In 2010, Williams received the College’s first Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Pioneer Award. Williams was known for seizing every opportunity and making the most of her time while at Etown College.
Williams interned with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, where she earned a place in the inaugural class of Minority Interns. After graduating from Etown, Williams earned her master’s degree in museum studies at the Cooperstown, N.Y. graduate program for history and museum studies. Williams was also the director of development and special events at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Harrisburg, Pa. In addition to this position, she wrote a book entitled “Trailblazers: Notable African Americans in Pennsylvania History.”
Williams was offered the position of exhibit developer for the first permanent exhibition based on African Americans to be housed in the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg. Williams gained essential skills to lead a successful career from Etown, and learned valuable life lessons from faculty and staff members. Williams specifically credited Dr. David Brown for many of her achievements, including her internships, museum exhibit, book and admittance into a prestigious graduate school.
The campus community is planning a memorial service; when the event is finalized, details will be shared with the public. The official funeral service in Jones Williams’ honor is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 10 a.m., in the Sanctuary of Zion Assembly, 2101 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg, Pa. Following the ceremony, Williams will be buried in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Cards and flowers can be sent to 320 Hamilton Street, Harrisburg, Pa. 17102.
