Sherwood Owl Williford, Author
Sherwood Williford was born into a sharecropper family near Bentonville, Johnston County, North Carolina. Williford served 2 years in the Army National Guard, followed by 8 years active duty with the Air Force. Upon discharge, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal, highest peacetime award offered by the U. S. Military. With studies at both the University of Georgia and Brigham Young University, he earned a B. S. degree in Communications. For more than seven years, he was a featured columnist for his hometown newspaper, The Goldsboro News Argus, written under the byline "From my Perch" by Sherwood Owl Williford. He has published three books, including, Two To The Grave, Three To The Gallows, a true murder story which details a shocking "local" crime that garnered national interest. He has written two screenplays, Phoebe of the Neuse, an incredible yet heartwarming story of the Neuse Island's "witch woman." Leona's Boy is a fictionalized story based on life's uncertainties that faced Leona's illegitimate son. His latest work, Shining Stars from a Segregated South, has its setting around one of the south's premier Black schools of the twentieth century, Dillard High. Its founder, Rev. Clarence Dillard and his successor Hugh Victor Brown are credited with molding numerous scholars whose influence resonates far beyond its southern borders. Intermingled with their stories are brief biographical sketches of their white neighbors who would become celebrated stars in their own right. Williford is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a member of the Golden K. Kiwanis Club and serves as Chaplain of his local Grantham Grange. He and his wife, Jane, have been blessed with four children and ten grandchildren. He lives in the Rosewood community west of Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Williford’s latest book:
Shining Stars from a Segregated South: African Americans Spread Their Wings
A reader’s review of Shining Stars from a Segregated South
I could hardly put the book down
Patsy Bryant Taylor
Dear Mr. Williford,
It is with great appreciation and honor to have the privilege to write to you and respond to such a masterful rendition of honor, tribute, and respect to what I have come to claim as our “Founding Fathers of Education” in the Goldsboro and surrounding areas of Eastern North Carolina and beyond.
I am a 1969 graduate of Dillard High School and as we prepared to celebrate our 55th year Alumni Weekend, I was informed by one of my classmates visiting from New Jersey that there was a book signing scheduled for Saturday May 25th, 2024. I was not able to attend, however: I did ask him to purchase a book for me. He did, thank you for signing it, and I began reading it the following Sunday after our picnic and truly it was an addicting read. I could hardly put the book down and go to bed.
Should you ever question the success of your contribution to these great men of honor, question no more. I am 74 years of age and although I am educated, I shamefully admit that I am not a “history” scholar nor have I ever taken an interest in history, however; this book has opened my eyes and sparked a hunger for more of such readings. As I began to read, I recognized you were writing and sharing my history and the history of those whom I have journeyed with for 55 years. It has given me much comfort and pride to learn of the foundation from which my accomplishments have derived.
As I read this book, I visualized each layer of foundation that has brought me to where I am today. As you have highlighted Dr. Dillard and Professor Brown’s efforts to portray and instill the importance of Christianity blended with academic pursuit and achievement, I realize my life’s story has been written.
While reading, I recognized the characters. I walked in the seasons of life that they trod. I embraced their struggles and conflicts, and it taught me to appreciate the sacrifices made, Oh, what a read.
I pray this letter is not too lengthy, but I can hardly contain myself. My effort is to encourage you and to assure you that you have, what I believe, met your objective in writing “Shining Stars from a Segregated South”. God bless and keep you.
Book description
Shining Stars from a Segregated South is replete with inspirational stories of more than twenty-five important stars that grew up in the small southern town Goldsboro, North Carolina. The book’s primary emphasis is on African American success stories such as Ruth Whitehead Whaley and Dorothy Cotton, but also covers the stories of other notable neighbors.
Ruth Whitehead Whaley was the first black woman to enroll in Fordham University’s law school graduating at the top of her class. The Goldsboro native would become the first African American woman to practice law in the state of New York and the first to be granted a license in North Carolina. A historical marker has been dedicated and stands on one of the main streets of her hometown.
Dorothy Cotton was the highest ranking woman in Dr. MLK's Christian Leadership organization. Almost lost to history is the fact that she was a 1948 graduate of Goldsboro’s all-black Dillard high school.
Also included are biographical sketches on the likes of Andy Griffith, a Goldsboro High School teacher, Anne Jeffreys famed movie star, and Johnny Grant, who for more than 30 years served as honorary mayor of Hollywood, CA.
The intertwining of their stories confirms my conceived notion that no other municipality of its size has birthed more outstanding citizens than “Small Town” Goldsboro, North Carolina. The author's hope is that the book celebrates the achievements of local heroes and inspires young people to believe in themselves, encouraging them that anything is possible despite the circumstances under which they grew up.
Only time will tell if the author has succeeded.