Mr. Deon Anthony Williams, Jr.

UTICA - Deon Anthony “Hood” Williams Jr, age 25, passed away as the result of injuries sustained from an unnecessary, uncalled for, violent, heinous crime. He crip walked into heaven to meet his brother on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Born in Utica on September 13, 1992, Deon was the legacy to Deon Anthony Williams, Sr. and Irene Nichols. He attended Watson Williams Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School. He shared his life with his love, Madeline “Molly” Diaz in a relationship that saw troubled times and treasured times, but they never parted because they had a strong unbreakable bond between them. He loved his children and his “little white girl”. If Deon were here today, he would hear his loved ones say that he is strong,… every day in every way: as a man, as a father, as a junior to his dad, a blessing to his mother, and as a provider. Deon is, never was, always is. He gave to those in need, and he was always real in his intentions. If you were hungry, he fed you. No words can describe how much he loved his mother. He was her baby. He kept her on her toes, and he educated her on how the streets work. How many times she would say, “Oh, my God! We gotta go get Deon”. She was always there. When Deon loved, it was for real, and he spoke with his heart. He was inseparable from his brother, and Deon made sure to keep a watchful eye on him. Theirs was a sacred relationship, and they both missed their brother David. He had a childish relationship with his sisters, and they would say, “Ahkikiki, you’re lick”. He also had no problem getting Amanda and Shayla in trouble. To his children, Deon was an amazing dad. He taught the oldest to have morals and values; the second was his “Princess” and she could do anything; he taught Romayne to be strong; “JuJu baby” was attached to him and knew his voice; and Jermayne knew his love, his tender touch, and the sense of security in his voice. As the stay-at-home dad, Deon protected and provided for his children. He would set up fireworks for the kids, celebrate their young lives, and entertain them. Every day, he did his best to make them happy and safe. Deon enjoyed his dirt bike and the rush of the ride. Sometimes it was his main means of transportation. When he went fishing, it was a special, private time to get with himself and share the eternal connection he has with his brother, David. Music was his “all day” thing, and it calmed the beast within him. He composed his own songs and recorded Rap Music from the head, always with the beginnings saying “neighbahooood,… We rolling, he’s chasing the bag”. Deon had his own language and gestures and everyone understood it. His gold was the flip phone, and if you made him mad he closed it up. Deon is survived by his parents, Irene and Deon, Sr.; and his love, Madeline. His personhood will long live through his children who were his everything: Dwayne{8}, Cathalaya{5}, Romayne{3}, Jewelaya{1 1/2}, and Jermayne {2 months}; his maternal grandmother, Carol McMullen; paternal grandmother, Sandra Marie Williams; and great-paternal grandmother, Beatrice Moore. Always close to his heart was the memory of his brother, David E. “Loco” Kyles, Jr. who passed away on June 14, 2016. Surviving are his siblings, Amanda Nichols, Shayla Blackshear, Donnell Williams, Najaeh Peak, Jonaeh Peak, Keenon Frank, Kayla Morrock, Emma LaTour, Donte Williams, Jamel Williams, Maurice Williams, Isaiah Williams, and Francisco Colon; his nieces and nephews, Iyanna, Keyzanna, Davianna, Adrianna; Anajeaha, and Romeo; and anticipating the birth of Donnell Jr.; Jer’miah, Jordan, Kymani, and Keenon Jr.; Donte Jr. “D.J.”, and Nazier; Jeffonz, and Jeffari; aunts and uncles, Michael McMullen, and David Nichols; Sandy Cotton and Rhondisa “Chocolate” Cotton; several great-aunts, and a great-uncle; several cousins including his best friend Peter M. “Knight” Bowman, Jr. who was his heart; in-laws, Miguel “Guyo”, Carmen, Yari, Angelica, Emilio; and his friends, Janelle “Starz” who was a bro and his right hand ~ they were longtime friends who go way back; and John “Unc” who was his fishing buddy. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Miguel “Guyo” Diaz for being the ONLY one who aided Deon at the time of this tragedy; and the Emergency Room staff at St. Elizabeth Medical Center who were attentive and sensitive to the family. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10:30-12:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Deon’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday afternoon at 12:30 at the funeral home with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow graveside at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deon’s family for the benefit of his children. “Now I’m off to Heaven to chase the bag with “Loco”, Ima talk to ya soon, Neighbahooood!!”

Mr. Deon Anthony Williams, Jr.

September 13, 1992 - June 28, 2018