Williams, Catherine Gayle, 1914-

African-American social worker. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Catherine Williams began a career as a dancer in Chicago and toured in several eastern cities as a member of a professional dance troupe which performed with such famous entertainers as Al Jolson and Cab Calloway. She spent four years in California appearing in several movies and in 1940 toured with the production, "The Hot Mikado," starring Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. In 1947 Williams returned to Des Moines to care for her ill parents and there began a second career in social work.

Starting as a secretary with the Polk County Welfare Dept., she advanced through various field and supervisory positions. In addition to her full-time work as a social worker, Williams attended Drake University part-time from 1948 to 1961 and graduated with a degree in sociology. In 1963 she took a leave of absence to attend the School of Social Work at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1965 with a master's degree.

Returning to Polk County, she rose to the position of Social Work Supervisor IV. From 1975 to 1981 Williams served as Deputy Commissioner of the Iowa Dept. of Social Services and served as Acting Commissioner in 1979. She retired in 1981, the highest ranking black official in the state government. Throughout her career, Williams' concerns centered on the family and family relationships.

In retirement, she was a consultant in social and management systems for Johnson and Williams Associates. Williams served on many boards and committees and was frequently honored for her contributions to the field of social work. Her most notable awards include nomination to the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame and citation as Iowa Social Worker of the Year (1980) and the reception of an Alumni Distinguished Service Award from Drake University and an honorary degree from Simpson College (1981).

In 1990 she received the YWCA/Mary Louise Smith Racial Justice Award and the Distinguished Alumnae Award from the University of Iowa School of Social Work.

From the description of Papers of Catherine Gayle Williams, [191-]-1991 (bulk 1942-1991). (University of Iowa Libraries). WorldCat record id: 233112592