Antonio Williams

Life Reflection 

 

On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, God called home Antonio Maurice Williams, a faithful son, brother, husband and father figure. Tony was a man of few words and a very low key demeanor. 

When Tony did speak, folks listened. Tony's siblings recalled his protective nature, even protecting h is younger brothers and sister from each others' teasing. Benji would make Grayson, the baby boy, repeatedly ask for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Sure, Grayson's lisp was a little funny, but when Lil Lord said, "Make the Sandwich", the sandwich got made. Whenever the boys needed to know what their parents knew about their antics, Tony would send "Snoop", his nickname for h is baby sister Natalie, to go snooping to sniff out information. Clearly, Tony took his job as the oldest seriously and despite many health challenges throughout his life, he always had his siblings backs. 

 

Tony is remembered for his willing spirit, his bravery, his "Can Do" attitude and his ability to push himself beyond his physical limits. Material possessions are not the mark of a man's measure. It is the kindness of his soul and the beauty of his actions that make a Man. Tony was the true definition of a great guy, quiet and stoic, with a kind heart. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his Mother, Fayetta Billups, watching scary movies till all hours of the night. He loved h is music videos, Hip-Hop and Reggae. 

 

Life for Tony brightened when he married his beloved wife, Tereshiel Stephens-Williams. TC brought joy and light to Tony's life when she shared her two beautiful daughters with him. Tony loved Cree and Kiara as h is own and their children as well. Cree recalled that Tony was a wonderful father figure for her growing up. Tony made her feel safe to make mistakes 

and learn from them. Even when Cree and Kiara struck out on their own, they knew that any thing they needed, Tony would help provide. 

 

Finally, the absolute loves of his life were his 6 grandchildren. Tony, lovingly called Poppy, christened his daughters and every grand baby with a nickname, special for their personalities. The family still delights in how 'clever and cute the names are and how much Tony enjoyed his time with the kids, sharing his love of boxing and Bob Marley. These lyrics from Tony's favorite 

Bob song sums up his life's philosophy..."If you know your history, Then you would know where you coming from. I'm just a Buffalo Soldier, In the heart of America. Stolen from Africa, brought to America. Said he was fighting on arrival: fighting for survival. Just a Buffalo Soldier" 

 

Tony fought an awesome fight! Despite obstacles and stress, Tony kept pushing and struggling, constantly battling to Live Life, rather than merely Existing. Tony inspires us to Have 

Faith, to Never Give Up, to Dream Big and to Fight Until the End! 

 

Tony was a faithful husband, father and Poppy. Let us pray for his wife, Tereshiel Stephens-Williams, his daughters Shacree "Mama" Stephens, Kiara "BabyGirl" Stephens, son, Antwyon 

Mottley Weather's, grandchildren, Richard Washington, Jah'Sir "King Yellow" Stephens, "Bigman" Ny'Lah "Princess Mahogany" Merritt, Michael "Truck" Stephens-Page, Novela "PrettyGirl" Stephens and Makai "Diesel" Stephens-Jemmott. Tony was also a devoted son and brother. He leaves to mourn His mother, Fayetta Billups, his step father, Benjamin Billups, brothers, Benji Billups, Montie Billups and Grayson Billups and Sister, Natalie Rivera, Grandmother Blanche Williams and a host of other relatives and friends.