Recipient, Veneka Williams graduated Summa Cum laude from the University of West Georgia in 2005, with a double major in finance and sports management.

Williams, a wife and mother of three beautiful children, worked in corporate America for ten years before she stepped out in faith to pursue her passion in the funeral profession. She is currently a senior at Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and is the 2016 scholarship recipient for the college. Williams has conquered many obstacles in her path but with diligence and earnest sense of a great work ethic she has sustained. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Phi Sigma Eta National Honor Society and is heavily involved in her community through church, religious and fraternal organizations and charitable events. Williams is a very dedicated, determined and dependable woman who will be an asset to the funeral industry and of service to various funeral service organizations.

  Veneka states, “I have made the Deans List at Gupton-Jones College every quarter since my journey of becoming a licensed funeral director began. I have chosen funeral services as a career because I am driven by a compassionate need to serve others. Being in funeral service, I understand there are many hats that I must wear; but even after long hours it’s going to be such a rewarding experience knowing I will be called upon and trusted to help families in their time of need. I understand if I am able to help them make the choice to authentically mourn; I will help them to return to life, to living and to love! I am a first generation in the profession but strongly believe it is my calling. I am grateful for the opportunity your scholarship is providing to students like me who are constantly striving for success.”

–“You have two hands- one is to help yourself; the second is to help others.”

Donor: A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home

  Ahmed A. Rayner, Sr was born in 1893 in Calvert, TX and graduated from Prairie View A&M University, the historic Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1914 and the John Marshall Law School in 1934. In Chicago, he worked for Jackson Funeral Home, Metropolitan Funeral Home and was affiliated with Chicago Metropolitan Mutual Life Assurance Company and in 1947 a dream was realized, A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home was established. Joining AA Rayner were his children, AA “Sammy” Rayner Jr, (a decorated USAF bomber pilot and original Tuskegee Airman and Chicago Alderman of 6th Ward) Anne Rayner, Susie Rayner and John Rayner as well as his brother Loris M. Rayner. Family contributions and great leadership led to a very successful funeral business in Chicago.

  A.A. Rayner, Sr. passed in 1989 and A.A. Rayner, Jr passed in 1990. After 69 years the funeral homes are managed by members of the family’s third generation: Pamela Rayner, Charles Childs, Jr., Enna Aikens, Donna Rayner, Nancy Martin, Ivan Rayner, II and Attorney Cheryl Rayner. The family’s fourth generation continues to provide phenomenal service and is committed to the communities in which they serve with the dedicated and professional services of Charles S. Childs, III. The legacy and hard work of A.A. Rayner, Sr, and his son A.A. Rayner ‘Sammy” Jr. continues each and every day. President Pamela C. Rayner works with students in area mortuary colleges to make sure they get training, internships and employment. She is dedicated to the past work of her grandfather and father and knows the importance of a quality education. She set up the Annual A.A. Rayner & Sons Memorial Mortuary Scholarship which includes the founders, her nephew Zachary Tripplett, and brother A.A. Rayner, III. The 100 BWFS is honored to have Pamela C. Rayner, as a life member of their organization.