Sara Williams serves as a bailiff for Civil Court judges Haldane Taylor and Aaron Bowden in the Duval County Courthouse. The parking may be bad, but that’s just about the only thing she doesn’t like about the job.
WHAT BROUGHT HER TO THE COURTS?
“Well, my father actually worked in the sheriff’s office for many years. Then one day my cousin, who was also a bailiff, got me an application. She said I’d like it and five and half years later I’m still here.”
DOES SHE LIKE HER JOB?
“I love my job . . . and also the people I work for.”
WHAT DOES SHE DO — EXACTLY?
“I have a lot of different duties. When I get here at 7:30 a.m., I retrieve all of the necessary files for the judge and perform orders from the court. I also fax and retrieve documents when they need me to. I’ll even get them a glass of water if they want it.”
BEST PART OF THE JOB?
“I love interacting with different people.” On a given day, Williams said she interacts with anywhere between 15 to 50 people. “People are usually pretty stressed when they come to see us, but I try to help them as best as I can. I always try to encourage them to believe that, no matter what their situation is, it will work out in the end.”
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL?
Williams says she’ll stay with the courts for at least two more years.
THE NEW COURTHOUSE
“We’re all very excited about it. We’ll have better parking, better security and much nicer surroundings. I can’t wait.”
WHERE IS SHE FROM?
“I was born in raised in Jacksonville.” Williams attended Raines High School.
ANY FAMILY IN TOWN?
“Both of my parents are still here.”
IN HER SPARE TIME?
“My father is a pastor so I really enjoy going to church. I also love to read.” Williams’ favorite book? The Bible.
BIGGEST INFLUENCE?
“My mother is a big influence on me. I’ve always admired her kindness and wisdom. My father influences me, too. He brought me up to fear God and I admire his morals and principles.”
— by J. Brooks Terry