Mrs. Gaynor Maggie Williams, née Abnett, was a devoted educator, mentor, and Christian leader whose life bridged continents and generations, leaving an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s educational and spiritual landscape.

Born in 1939 in Hastings, Sussex, England, she would go on to spend more than half a century shaping young minds and institutions far from her place of birth.

She met her husband, Mr. Frederick Babatunde Williams, while both were studying at the University of Exeter, a meeting that would chart the course of her life toward Nigeria.

In 1960, the year of Nigeria’s independence, Mrs. Williams arrived in the country aboard the ship that transported the decorations for the independence celebrations, a symbolic beginning to a lifelong commitment to her adopted home. She married at St John’s Church, Aroloya, Lagos, and Nigeria would remain her base for the next 54 years.

As an educator, Mrs. Williams served with distinction across many of Nigeria’s most respected schools. She taught Geography at Federal Government College, #Ijanikin, Lagos, where she was remembered for her depth of knowledge and clarity of instruction, and later taught Geography and Biology at Queen’s College, Lagos. She also served as Headmistress of St Saviour’s Primary School, Ebute Metta, and was involved in teacher training at Mary Mount School, Lekki, and Busy Bees School, Apapa.

One of her most remarkable professional undertakings was her role in establishing a primary school for Mobil Producing in Eket, alongside her close friend Mrs. Monica Alaga. This assignment required regular two-hour helicopter flights every two weeks, underscoring her dedication to educational development, no matter the logistical challenges.

She later taught at Atlantic Hall School, Lagos, and served as Administrator at Corona Schools Trust, where she played a key role in the establishment of Corona School, Agbara, Ogun State.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Williams was deeply committed to Christian service. She was a Home Fellowship Leader and Counsellor at New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, before later joining Rhema Pasture Covenantr Church. She supported and worked closely with several Christian missions in Lagos and Benue State, including The Glory of His Majesty and New World Ministries, where she served as Administrator until her passing.

A lover of travel and learning beyond textbooks, Mrs. Williams traversed Nigeria extensively. She organised educational excursions for students to Yankari Game Reserve and Kainji Dam, and led Christian retreats to her family’s beach house in Osoroko, Ibeju Lekki, blending education, faith, and cultural exposure.

Her home in Surulere was also a place of nurture, where she raised and fostered many children, alongside her own, offering guidance, discipline, and affection.

In 2015, she relocated to Derbyshire, United Kingdom, yet her ministry did not end.

Even in later years, she continued to share the word of God wherever opportunities arose. She passed away peacefully in August 2023 at her care home in Derbyshire.

For many, her legacy is deeply personal. She taught A-Level Geography at Federal Government College, Ijanikin, between 1976 and 1978, leaving a lasting impression on her students through both intellect and character. Mrs. Gaynor Maggie Williams is remembered not only as a great teacher, but as a life-giver to institutions, communities, and countless individuals who passed through her care.

Source: Bim Babarinde Archives