Lisa Yvette Williams

Celebrating a Full Circle of Life.

May 18, 1965 - May 18, 2025.

Well, family, here we are. If you're reading this, I've officially made my grand exit-but don't worry, I left this world just the way I lived in it: surrounded by my girls, my grandbabies, and a whole lot of love.

Born in Atlantic City, NJ, I was the youngest of five, raised by my incredible parents, Sylvia Irma Williams and Richard Earl Williams. Life took me from New Jersey to Minnesota and back again, but eventually, Minnesota became my home-for better or worse!

I graduated from Central High School and tore up the basketball courts at MLK Center before life took me on an adventure. At 18, my mother moved back to New Jersey, and soon after, I married Elliott Milton Valentine. In 1993, with a baby in tow, I packed up and returned to Minnesota-because, well, life just keeps moving, right?

In 1995, I met Lonnie Darnell Jiles, and let's just say: that man was persistent. Lord knows I was sickkkk of him, but in the end, I loved him, and my kids loved him too. If you ask him, he'll tell you they his kids, and honestly, we just roll with it.

Speaking of kids-five beautiful souls call me Mom: Jarell, T'Lisa, Elliott Sr., Terrell, and Muslimah. I also have one God son, Robert Joyce, sixteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren-yes, I got to see my great grandbabies before I left, and that alone made my heart full.

I'm at peace now, reunited with my parents, my siblings Donna and Troy, and all the loved ones who went ahead of me. But don't think that means I won't be watching!

So, do me a favor-keep laughing, keep loving, and don't you dare let life pass you by without making some noise. And if you think I'm gone? Nah, I'll always be right here, in the stories you tell, the memories we made, and the love that never fades.

With all my love,

Lisa

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Introduction

I lived a life that was raw, real, and unapologetically mine. Every moment-joyful or challenging-was a step on my journey. I was a Black woman of strength and passion, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Now, as I rest, I leave you with my words, my love, and a piece of my spirit meant just for you.

The Journey of a Strong Woman

I was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey-the youngest of five-and raised with deep love by my parents, Sylvia Irma Williams and Richard Earl Williams. Life's twists took me far from where I started. In 1993, I packed up my children and moved to Minnesota, carving a space for us where love, struggle, and victory became our family's tradition. Every decision I made was driven by the need to build a life full of deep connections and to show you that strength and tenderness can walk hand-in-hand.

Passion, Purpose, and the Court

I carried a fierce love for the game-both on the court of life and on the basketball court. I graduated from Central High School and played basketball there, proudly competing at both my school and the MLK Center. The game wasn't just a sport to me; it was where I learned discipline, resilience, and the fire that fueled my heart. That passion carried into every aspect of my life, driving me to excel and live boldly.

A Life Lived Boldly: My Farewell

I chose my day and my moment. I passed away from stage 4 lung cancer on my 60th birthday-my birthday-because I was ready, and I ain't waiting on nobody. I left this world with a Butterfinger in hand and memories that taste as sweet as they are raw. When you think of me, picture roses in full bloom and the calming hue of blue-symbols of the grace and serenity I felt in my final moments.

I walked away knowing I had lived fiercely. I said, "They not like us," and I left a legacy unbreakable, filled with unapologetic truth and deep love. In those last days, every soul was my family, and when I called each one "Mariha," I meant that our bond transcends everything.

Messages to My Loved Ones

To My Sons

My boys, my warriors-never let this world break you. Keep your heads high, your hearts strong, and your souls steady. Live your lives to the fullest, chase what's yours, and don't let anybody tell you what you can't do.

I fought for y'all, I prayed for y'all, and I loved you with everything in me. That love carries on-even if I'm not physically there. I got you, always.

To My Daughters

My beautiful, powerful girls-you carried me, held me down, and filled my nights and days with love. Thank you.

Know your worth. Remember: you are enough, you are strong, and you are everything I dreamed you would be.Walk in your beauty and let no one dim your shine. You are my legacy.

To My Grandchildren

Every single one of y'all-whether I got to see you, hold you, or whisper goodbye-I love you dearly.

Be everything you are meant to be. Stand proud, dream big, and always make me proud. This world might test you, but you come from a line built on resilience, love, and fierce determination. You got this.

To Derrick: *I know that's right, D! Watching you graduate filled me with immense pride. CONGRATULATIONS DUKE!

To Elliott: Don't think for a second I won't be at your graduation on June 3rd, 2025. I may not be there the way you expect, but baby, I'll be there.

To Amora: I want you to cherish your life and make your graduation on June 5th,2025 memorable because you came along way my baby, and i will be watching for sure.

To my oldest granddaughter (my first grandchild): You flew out to be with me-even though we never got that final chance to talk. Baby, I felt you. Your presence lit up my final days.

To My Great-Grandsons

My little kings-you are the future, the next bold chapter in our family's story. Grow strong, walk proud, and know you are deeply loved. Seeing you before I left filled my heart with hope. Carry my love, let it fuel your dreams, and stand tall always.

To My Godson, Robert

Robert, my boy-you were never just a godson; you were my son too. I saw your dreams, your fire, and your heart. Go after life like it owes you everything.

You are chosen, you are worthy, and you are more than enough. I love you deeply.

To My Nieces and Nephews

Y'all loved me with your whole hearts, and I soaked in that love every single day. Family means everything-it holds us together and pushes us forward.

Carry our name with pride, love each other fiercely, and never forget where we come from. I love you all, more than words can say.

To April, My Sister in Spirit

April-you know what it is. We built something unbreakable, something deeper than mere words. You knew my mother, you knew Donna, you knew ME.

We laughed, we talked, and we lived out our truth. And don't think that because I'm gone, I'm not still talking! Keep living, keep laughing, and remember-I'm right here, always.

To My Friends

To all my girls-my Eight Old Ladies, my day ones, my ride-or-dies-I love you fiercely. Every memory and every moment we shared shines in my heart forever.

Hold each other up, keep laughing, and pass our wild stories on. I'm always with you, every step of the way.

To Those I Didn't Get to Say Goodbye

For the grandchildren I never got to see, for those I couldn't speak to one last time-I love you all. Be all you can be. Chase every dream, and know that I'm watching over you each day.

Expressions of Faith, Wisdom, & Rebellion

I believed that true strength comes from both unwavering faith and a rebellious spirit. When life knocked me down, I found solace in the words that lifted me up. In my quiet moments, I whispered,

"God is within her, she will not fall."

I carried that truth into every battle and every triumph. Beyond faith, I embraced my raw honesty and did not shy away from speaking my mind. **"I ain't gone, I'm just not around.

A memorial gathering for Lisa Williams will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bradshaw (1078 Rice Street, St. Paul)