“A good teacher is like a candle: it consumes itself to light the way for others.” Mustafa Ataturk
While studying at Florida A & M, Runette Lamone Hill found that her passion was teaching. She studied hard and learned well as she began a journey that would allow her to positively touch the lives of thousands of children. She was not only a light and a candle for us, she taught others how to shine.
After leaving her hometown of Madison, Florida, she married Ola. L. Williams and they both became educators in Broward County. In 1960, she became the first principal of Sanders Park Elementary School in Northwest Pompano Beach. Because of over 17 years at Sanders Park Elementary and time at Markham Elementary, also in Northwest Pompano Beach, she was lovingly called the “community’s principal.” And, because she was so well versed, it became a mantra, that if you wanted something done right, ask Mrs. Runette Williams.
Her accomplishments span from awards and recognitions from numerous local, national and civic organizations to be a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She was very active at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Pompano Beach, and she was one of the founding members of The Broward Community Education Foundation, now known as the Community Foundation of Broward. She was an officer in the Broward Association of Elementary School Principals, a Pioneer of Broward County, a coordinator of Reading is Fundamental, Governor’s Conference on Education and she was chairperson of area “A” principals, now called North Area.
While naming all of the organizations she was a member of and worked with would be impressive, she took great pride in the accomplishments of her students, teachers and staff. She loved her family and her Golden Girl sisters, Catherine G. Johnson and Barbara P. Rhone. She was loving, yet firm, compassionate and always ready to let elected officials know what needed to be done and why. On February 28, 2019, Runette Williams left earth for her heavenly home. The Westside Gazette sends condolences to the family and loved ones of the “Community’s Principal,” Mrs. Runette Lamone Hill Williams.
