Magnolia T. Williams, a life-long resident of Dillon County, has given forty-nine years as a leader and public servant of Dillon and surrounding counties: thirty years as an educator, and nineteen as a Dillon County Magistrate. She received her formal education from Dillon County Public School System, graduating valedictorian from Gordon High School in 1958. After high school, she enrolled in Barber Scotia College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education.
Magnolia’s strong Christian foundation has molded her life as an educator, civic leader, mother, sister, friend, and grandmother. She extends her Christian faith at Manning Baptist Church where she currently serves as Missionary First Vice President, Scholarship Chairperson, Newsletter Editor, Food Pantry Advisor, Health Ministry and Beautification Committee members. She has served in several ministries and official positions in the past.
As an educator, she taught English at Chestnut High School, Myrtle Beach, SC, Gordon High School, and J. V. Martin Jr. High School, Dillon, SC. She also taught in the Dillon Adult Education Program. In 1994, she retired as a public-school teacher from J.V. Martin Jr. High School and was the recipient of the 1994 Yearbook dedication.
In 1994, she was appointed Dillon County Magistrate; a position she held for nineteen years, retiring in 2013.
A woman of deep commitment to community service, she held leadership positions in several community organizations: President Alpha Alpha Chapter, secretary of South Carolina State Council of Alpha Pi Chi National Sorority, Staff Assistant of Alpha Pi Chi Southeast Region, Treasurer/Scholarship Chairperson Gordon High School Alumni, Worthy Matron Wonder Chapter OES #377, Conductress of Wonder Chapter OES #377, District 5 OES Flagbearer, Advisory Board Member Dillon Area Technology School, and McLeod Auxiliary volunteer.
Additional community service includes Dillon County Cancer Relay and Heart Fund.
For her many accomplishments, she has received numerous recognitions and awards. She says, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to God and my parents (Joseph and Ozelma Thompson). God chose me as a vessel for the furthering of His Kingdom and my parents reared me in a Christian home.”
When asked what inspired her to make a difference, Magnolia said, “ As the oldest member of my family, as well as the oldest grandchild of an impoverished family, I decided to make a difference in the family. Making a difference in my family created a desire to make a difference in others. I became a role model for the family. I was the first member to attend college. Others have followed and are doing exceptional work in society.”
To others who are making a difference, she says, “I will say congratulations. You are doing an excellent job. God has no hands and feet but ours to do His work. Continue doing the good work.”
BLACK HISTORY MONTH DIFFERENCE MAKER: Magnolia Williams–Retired Educator and Dillon County Magistrate
