“Give love freely,” advised Monalisa Williams. “After all, it is the greatest gift of all!”
Monalisa Williams loves everyone she meets and does her best to brighten their day with a smile and a kind word. She is full of joy and tries to focus on the positive each day.
Growing up, Monalisa had a strong family and learned many valuable life lessons from the examples her parents set. One of those lessons was how to work hard no matter what.
“I am the oldest of four daughters of Wylie and Ramona Smith. We were raised in the IGA store in Stonewall,” recalled Monalisa. “Early on in life, we were taught strict work ethics. Our daddy was the hardest working man I’ve ever known. Just because the store closed didn’t mean he was off work. He’d go in early and work late; even on the weekends, he would strip the floors and rewax them. There were times that a cooler would go out and he’d spend all weekend, after church on Sunday of course, with Clyde, the refrigerator man, trying to get it back up and running. I used to say he was the hardest boss ever, but the older I’ve gotten, I realize he wasn’t a hard boss at all; he led by example. We just knew what he expected, and we made sure our jobs were done and done to the best of our ability.”
Not only did she look up to her father as an example in her life, but she also was able to look to her mother. Through watching her mother, Monalisa was able to learn what a healthy and happy relationship and home look like.
“Our mother was a stay home mom. She ran the house. She dedicated her life to raising us. My parents had a wonderful marriage. It almost seemed perfect, kind of like out of a fairy tale,” remembered Monalisa. “They loved and respected each other so much. They never fussed or fought at all that I can remember. We were so fortunate to have been brought up in a Godly home.”
When she grew up, Monalisa replicated the beautiful relationship she witnessed from her parents. Although she has recently suffered through tragedy with the loss of her husband, she is still able to look at the family they created together and feel a strong sense of gratitude.
“I would have been married 41 years. Thomas passed away on December 15 after being very sick for a long time,” stated Monalisa. “We have two wonderful boys. I always wanted a little girl, but God definitely knows best. The best thing is they both have become amazing men. I am blessed beyond measure. They have given me the best daughter-in-laws and six grandbabies—five boys and one girl—that complete me.”
Over the years, she also maintained the strong work ethic that was instilled in her. She used the lessons she had been taught and worked hard to help support and take care of her family.
“As my mother did, I was a stay home mom as well until both my boys started school. Then, I joined BeautiControl, a skincare and cosmetic company,” said Monalisa. “The goal of this company was to make women look and feel better about themselves. I’ve done thousands of makeovers on girls and women. I worked hard and became a trainer for the company. I was the makeup ‘Queen.’ As everything in life comes to an end, the company closed its doors a couple of years ago. I believe everything happens for a reason and in God’s timing. I also believe God puts people in our life for a reason.”
She started off the new millennium by taking on a new job in sales.
“In 2000, I became a sales representative for Wynn’s Extended Warranty,” recalled Monalisa. “I called on new and used car dealerships all over Mississippi and Alabama. Dealing with car dealers definitely taught me a lot—good, bad, and ugly!”
Although her first experience on the job by herself didn’t go as she anticipated, Monalisa never gave up and maintained an optimistic attitude.
“I remember the very first one I call on by myself. It was a disaster. He drilled me about every aspect of the business, which in the beginning I knew very little about. After I couldn’t take it anymore, I got in my car and cried thinking what in the world I got myself into. I thought there is no way I could do that job and that I was going to turn around and go back home,” remembered Monalisa. “After I sat there for a few minutes and pulled myself together, I said to myself that this had to be a worst case scenario. I drove on down the road to the next one. That meeting went perfect. I thought that maybe I could do it. It was the best decision I ever made.”
Most of the jobs Monalisa has held over the years has involved with sales. Now, she has a different job, and she loves it.
“I am now employed by USPS,” stated Monalisa. “My office is in Pachuta. This job is definitely a gift from God. He literally placed me there. I love my job and the people of Pachuta. I’ve made so many wonderful friendships in the last two and a half years.”
Over the years, she has made a variety of choices. She has always thought hard about how her choices and decisions would affect her in the long run.
“Every day we wake up, we make a choice: to do good or to do bad, to be happy and positive or to be sad and negative. Along with those choices we make, there are consequences—good or bad,” explained Monalisa. “I believe life is a journey. It’s been a long journey for me. I choose to be happy. I choose to be positive, and I choose to stay humble and kind. My life is so full of precious family and friends. For that, I am thankful, grateful, and blessed.”
Each day, Monalisa will continue to make the choice to remain optimistic and find the good in life. She will continue to work hard and brighten the day of everyone she meets with a smile.
