Daddy...you were my last living parent. And I know now -you were my assignment from God. God wanted you with me. You were my purpose. You took care of me,so it was only right that I took care of you. No regrets. None. I showed up. Every hospital visit.Every doctor’s appointment. Every late-night bell and every whispered prayer. No matter how far I had to travel-across highways or out of town-when you called, I came. Early in the morning on July 30th at 4:17 a.m., when you said, “Come get me,” I came right away, knowing you would never be alone. Whether it was our slumber parties at the hospital or at home, sharing strawberry sundaes from Baskin-Robbins, Moon pies, watermelon, or tuna fishthose small moments became our greatest memories. You were my little world that I felt safe inside of,wrapped in devotion,wrapped in love. Yes, we had some hard times, but mostly we had good times - filled with laughter, filled with life, filled with your voice, calling us “country kids” and “big people.” And all your words will forever live in me. Through every tear, a smile will still come. You called me Shorty...and sometimes your Warden,because I guarded your life until God gently said, “Rest now.” And I have no regrets, no sorrow for what I gave, only gratitude for the chance to love you this way. Rest now, Daddy. Your Shamika... your Shorty...your Warden...kept her promise.You were covered. You were cherished. You were deeply loved. Until we meet again,I will carry you in my heart,my breath,and every memory that still makes me smile.
Forever your Babygirl
Shamika R. Williams
Letter to Grandad
Dear Grandad, You were the Angel on my shoulder that guided me without judgment. The man that I looked up to and the only man I trusted. You were courageous, sensitive, but stern, talkative, but also a man of few words. Our grandfather, Our Patriarch, and now you’re just gone, without a trace, but your impact on my life is something that I can’t erase. You taught me so many things and shared so many stories. My only wish is that I had more time. I blinked, and you were gone, and only God knows why. I miss you so much that it’s hard for me to breathe. Grandparents are supposed to live forever, not just in my dreams. I will try not to cry so much, because I know we’ll meet one day again, maybe not now, but when it’s time. By then, I hope I make you proud.
“Chunky “Big Girl” Kieya Williams
To our father, grandfather, brother, Uncle, and cousin. Calvin Williams, now at rest,
A journey to the Lord, to pass the final test. Your laugh and spirit, a memory we hold so dear, You’re with us still, our solace to quell our fear. You’ve traded earthly burdens for a peaceful sky, And touched the hand of God, as you passed on by.
The family chain may feel a little broken now, But the promise of reunion, God will somehow allow.
From Geno
-Your Loving Granddaughter Alasia Williams
Today I choose to smile for you, Grandpa.
You lived a full life, touched so many, and now you’re finally resting in peace. Your memories stay with me, your laugh, your smile, the little moments that play in my mind like a gentle song. I’ll love you forever. Tell Grandma I said hi when you meet again, and keep watching over us. God makes no mistakes. You completed your mission here, and now it’s time to rest. Knowing you’re home brings me comfort,and that’s why I smile today.
Tahlia (Smirky)
Holiday visits you and granny at the door, your arms full of love and memories we still carry evermore. Trips to Flint meant KFC when we arrived, you two on the porch with music, always fixing the deck, always side by side. Every moment stays with me, every visit, every smile, your stories and lessons still warm my heart today. Though you’ve gone to heaven, your love will never fade away.
-Your Granddaughter, Tanieka
Hey Cal! This gonna be hard to write, because of all the memories I had with you as a child. You taught me and my sisters a lot, and a lot stayed with me as an adult. I’m gonna miss you, old man! You were always there when we needed you, and you were there to guide us no matter what! There are many things I’m gonna miss. The phone calls, especially when I say “Hey Cal, I got a question lol,” that one question turns to 100 questions lol! I’m also gonna miss talking about the Michigan and Ohio games! But one thing I’m gonna miss is bragging about you to others. Keep looking over us, and I will always keep asking questions when I need to talk to you, ok!
Love you always, old man, your Daughter Tammy,
Daddy, you were our rock, our anchor strong and true, A steadfast presence in all we’ve journeyed through. With gentle wisdom and a heart so kind, A love as deep as any could find. Through the sunlight days and the rain and the storm, you kept us safe, protected, and warm. Your hands were strong from a lifetime of hard work, but gentle too; when we needed comfort, we did seek. You taught us lessons not just with words but with deeds, of honor, kindness, planting hopeful seeds. A daddy love, a legacy so kind, a treasure in our memories that will always last. Though you have left this world, your spirit is always near, in every laugh, and in each silent tear. For all the lives you touched, the path you paved, in our hearts, Daddy, you will forever always be there. We’ll miss your smile, your humor, and your warm embrace, but find comfort knowing you’re in a better place.
From Your Daughter, Shaquinda Williams
An Amazing Granddaddy
You’ll always have a special place in our hearts and the family. We will remember the lectures, the memories, and the yelling. We’ll cherish those memories forever, in our hearts. Losing you broke our hearts, but now we all have to come together as a whole and share our memories.
From your Granddaughter, Kayla (Coco)
Grandad, I won’t be sad, I will not cry, but smile because of you! You provided me with guidance and support, allowing me to be a brave young lady you made me grow strong and resilient your example taught me valuable lessons that will stay with me all the way throughout my journey always and forever and I want to say thank you for everything that you provided me with and shared with me, I’m going to miss you so much....I love you, Grandad, and keep watching over us forever in my heart until we meet again.
From Your Granddaughter, Mimi
In Loving Memory of our Wonderful Grandad
Of all the special gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as our Grandad was the greatest gift of all.
May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear
“We love and miss you Grandad and wish that you were here” Keep in our hearts, your life is kept to love and cherish not forget. No more tomorrows we can share, but yesterdays are always there. A silent thought, a secret tear keeps your memory ever near in our hearts forever.
Tamera
Gentle and Gruff
Once you said it, that was enough. So real and so Rough You, Gandad, were the definition of tough. Grandad slipped away quietly one day. He simply went to sleep, No more to wake or weep. Now we gather here and quietly shed a tear, As we lay him in the ground, no solace to be found. But Grandad is not truly gone, Because his memory lives on, in all of us who loved him, Never to be forgotten.
Until we meet again, and tell granny we miss her down here.
Tanieka
