Montel Jaymel Williams

As we retrace the footprints of Montel Jaymel Williams we can only give thanks for the many lives he enriched along life’s journey. A strong, and quite young man, he was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a son, a brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and trusted friend. On December 10, 1995, Sandra M. Walker and Charles Williams welcomed the birth of a bouncing brown bubble of joy who they named Montel Jaymel Williams. From the beginning they knew he would grow up to be a very active and talented child. Being born into a family of fishermen Montel had an instant passion for this hobby. He loved fishing, football, music and playing cards. As he grew older he retained his love for fishing and was a master card player. Montel was a 10th grade student at Gurdon High School where he excelled, not only as a athlete, but as a student as well. He was a member of the football team where he played the defensive end position. He maintained an impeccable G.P.A and always put scholastics before sports. He was the sophomore representative for the Student Council and in 2010 the United States Achievement Academy conferred on him the honor of All American Scholar Award. His most notable and recent accomplishment was the completion of the 2010-2011 Southwest Arkansas College Preparatory Academy. His favorite quote was by John F. Kennedy: "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation." Montel had a warm smile that would chase the chill from any room. Although he was of few words, he had a big heart. His goal and dream in life was to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and study in the medical field. Montel was that cool, laid-back friend who was in tune with the latest trends and fashions of the 21st century. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger. He lived life to the fullest and there was never a dull moment when Montel was around During all of his fifteen seasons, he made friends across race, gender, and faith. On Tuesday, August 9, 2011, in his 15th season of life Montel passed from time into eternity. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Roy and Eloise Williams. Montel’s memory has left indelible impressions in the hearts and minds of his parents, Sandra M. Walker of Gurdon, Charles and Tara Williams of Arkadelphia; one brother, Mario Brownlee of Gurdon; three nephews, Michael Brownlee, Mario Brownlee, Jr., and Mason Brownlee; his grandparents, Dennis and Mary Walker of Gurdon; six aunts, Rose Mary Walker of Gurdon, Vickie (Herman) Jones of Arkadelphia, Angela Walker of Arkadelphia, Annie (Henry) Helms of Arkadelphia, Creasie L. Pennix of Las Vegas, NE, and Veronica (Billy) Easter of Meridian, MS; four uncles, Hosea (Loraine) Walker of Arkadelphia, Joshua Williams of Compton, CA, Logan Williams of Los Angeles, CA, and Tommy (Wanda) Williams of Lynwood, CA. He also leaves his great aunts and uncles, his favorite cousins Hosea Walker, Jr., Temerea McClure, Jordan Smith, Bryson Carter, Braylon Pearson and numerous other cousins, his best friends Apollo Blake, Austin Kirkpatrick, Nick Smith and numerous other friends. Montel will lie in repose at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Tuesday from 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m. The family with receive friends and share with them the Images of Life DVD from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Gurdon, Arkansas. The last farewell and tributes to his life will be shared on Wednesday, August 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Gurdon High School Auditorium. Montel will lie in repose one hour prior to service. Rev. Charles Young his great-uncle and the pastor of Sweet Home Baptist Church in Prescott, Arkansas will be the messenger. The committal service and final resting place will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas. Bearers of the casket will be the Gurdon High School Football Team. Honorary bearers will be his uncles Hosea Walker, Joshua Williams, Logan Williams, and Tommy Williams. No matter what your trails are, or how big your mountain seems; The Lord is there to see you through; He’ll go to all extremes. So if your cross seems hard to bear, and you know not what to do; The one who loves you most of all will be there to see you through. We wish to acknowledge and give thanks to all the friends and extended family members for your support and care. We especially wish to thank all of those who lifted up prayers, sent beautiful cards and text messages, made telephone calls, came by to visit and showered us with care. Words cannot express our gratitude to each and every one of you for being there when we needed you the most. Special thanks to the Gurdon Public School System and Superintendent Allen Blackwell, Beverly Glenn, the entire Gurdon Community, Scott and Mason Clark. Today we gather not to count the years in his life, but to celebrate the life in his years.