Faith in Action Becky Williams Celebrates Retirement After 28 Years of Service
After 28 years of faithful ministry, compassion, and care, Becky Williams is retiring from St. Luke’s, leaving behind a legacy that has touched countless lives within the parish community.
Though her role in parish nursing officially began in 1998, Becky and her family first came to St. Luke’s in 1986 after meeting Charles Jenkins at a family wedding in Arlington, Texas. They were immediately drawn to the church’s welcoming spirit and the strong programs offered for families and children.
Over the years, Becky has witnessed many changes at St. Luke’s, including there building of the church itself. But to her, the greatest transformation has been within the community. She reflects that the challenges faced after the fire brought parishioners closer together, strengthening relationships and creating “a palpable joy” that continues to grow.
Among the many meaningful moments in her ministry, one stands out as a defining confirmation of her calling. Before parish nursing officially began at St. Luke’s, Becky attended a symposium where she received a wrinkled piece of artwork depicting the Road to Emmaus. Months later, as the opportunity for parish nursing became a reality, she prayed during a Sunday service for a billboard or clear sign from God that she was being called to this ministry. Though no literal “billboard” appeared, the answer came in an unexpected way. At the end of the Adult Forum that day, the lesson concluded with the story of the Road to Emmaus. Later, when Becky shared the significance of that moment with the priest, he revealed that he had considered leaving the story out of the presentation altogether. “Something” told him to keep it in,he said. For Becky, it was exactly the billboard she had been asking for. The experience became a touchstone throughout her years of ministry, often resurfacing at just the right moments, while the framed, wrinkled artwork remains a reminder of God’s guidance, grace and the beauty found in imperfect journeys.
Becky also recalls a senior resource fair hosted at St. Luke’s where one attendee,struggling financially and living with limited support, connected with a Veterans Affairs representative. Through that conversation, he later received long-overdue disability benefits connected to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War, a life-changing outcome that reminded Becky of the power of simply being a vessel to help others.
Throughout her journey, Becky says the greatest impact has come from witnessing God at work through the lives of parishioners. Walking alongside people during moments of vulnerability, grief, healing, and joy has been both humbling and deeply meaningful.
She speaks with gratitude about the relationships formed during her years on staff,especially her close collaboration with Fr. Bryan and Mother Trish, whose joy,humor, and support enriched her ministry. She also treasures the countless connections built with parishioners through the years.
When asked what she will miss most, Becky quickly points to the staff meetings, filled with laughter, gentle teasing, camaraderie, and, of course, “legendary”birthday cakes. What won’t she miss? Driving through “Lake Luke” to reach the staff parking lot after heavy rains.
As retirement begins, Becky looks forward to slower mornings without an alarm clock, more travel, returning to learning French, and perhaps picking up new hobbies like pickleball and Mah Jong.
Looking back on nearly three decades of ministry, Becky summed up her time at St.Luke’s with heartfelt gratitude:
“I thank each and every one of you for going on this journey into new territories and waters through these years; answering God’s call to this ministry has allowed me to grow in ways totally unexpected.”
Her years of faithful service have left an enduring mark on St. Luke’s, and her ministry will continue to be felt in the lives she has touched for years to come.