MICHELLE MONET WILLIAMS / DEC. 16, 1954 - DEC. 31, 2012
When Michelle Williams was challenged with a serious health problem, she reacted in characteristic fashion by helping others who were sick.
She gained national respect when she became a dialysis patient and eventually received a kidney from a childhood friend in 2009.
"She was admired by many for her determination to persevere forward," said her friend, Sonja Smith.
She added that Williams was the sweetheart of Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East Chicago.
Michelle Monet Williams, 58, of East Chicago, died Dec. 31.
"Michelle was a devoted Christian who loved God as her Lord and Savior," said her mother, Eva Willians-Williams.
Naturally, her love also enveloped her friends, family and church family including her pastor and his family. After graduating from college, she became the church's administrator and quickly earned the affection and respect of everyone.
"She knew every family and church member," Smith noted. "Whether young or old, Michelle attended to their needs when they called."
In 1985, Williams changed her venue to the courtroom to serve as the City Court administrator.
There, she earned the respect of even more people because of her dedication and fairness.
This continued until her health began to fail in 2006, her mother said.
Her pastor, the Rev. Dr. J.C. Wade, Jr., encouraged her to focus on the power of healing by calling on the sick to offer prayers and comfort.
"This daily activity became a ministry for Michelle," her mother proudly said.
"I admired my daughter, Michelle, for her kind but tenacious spirit and her generous giving."
Willians-Williams said the love between mother and daughter continued to the very end.
"Our last words together were, 'I love you Mikki, I love you Mommy.'"
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