By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com

Gladys William, a resident of Washington D.C. for the past 60 years, recently celebrated 100 years of life. She officially became a centenarian on Aug. 14, surrounded by family and friends. 

“God has blessed me every day of my life. I am so thankful. But the only thing I can say that I know with truth is, the Lord is my shepherd and every day I wake up–it’s my birthday,” William told the AFRO.

Gladys William is a native of Raleigh, N.C. She was raised by her father after the tragic passing of her mother when she was a mere six weeks old. She had no siblings and grew up with a deep sense of faith and resilience.

For 65 years, William served as a registered nurse in hospitals, nursing homes and in private care. Her work was often physically demanding, but she speaks of it as a blessing, not a burden.

Later in life she married a military man and traveled with him as he served the country for several years. Together they had three children, two of which have since passed, but her daughter, Tina, and unofficially adopted son, Stephen, still serve as her strong support system. 

“She adopted me with her heart,” Stephen Bota shared. “She had just lost her son in 2006 when we met at my shop. She looked at me like she saw her late son — and she’s been my mom ever since.”

When asked if she’d live her life differently if given the chance, William has one answer:

“If I had it to do over again, I’d do it the same way.”