ITTA BENA, Miss.—Mississippi Valley State University students, faculty & staff, alumni and community members came together virtually Wednesday evening to honor the memory of student Jy’Quavious Williams.
Williams passed away unexpectedly June 17. He was 21.
A virtual candlelight vigil for Williams was hosted by the MVSU Student Government Association (SGA), Inc. at 7 p.m. using the videoconferencing platform Zoom.
A native of Greenwood, Williams was a freshman Health, Physical Education & Recreation (HPER) major at MVSU. He also served as a student recruiter for MVSU’s Emerging Scholars program.
Some of those in attendance were visibly moved as they reflected on Williams as a student, peer and friend.
“He was able to lift spirits and motivate you to do more because he was always doing more. It was evident in the organizations he was involved in and his outreach to others,” said organizer Jhah Cook, president-elect of the MVSU Student Government Association, Inc.
“Although we are all grieving this huge loss, we must remember to come together and uplift one another in love and unity as I am certain he'd want us to do,” she added.
Extending his condolences to Williams’ family, MVSU President Dr. Jerryl Briggs assured them that “Jock” (as he was affectionally called) would not be forgotten.
“As we remember and celebrate his life, we want to assure you that he will, as you will, always be a part of the Valley family,” said Briggs. “We want to celebrate the time that we had Jock here at the University because he really made a difference. His memory will be a part of our University forever.”
The virtual ceremony included a scripture reading by Kimberly Meeks, an invocation by Lonzia Copeland and a benediction by Kylon Windfield.
Using candles and flashlights to illuminate the screen, those in attendance paused for a final moment of reflection for Williams.
“Jock was truly an angel. He had a personality that shined as bright as the stars,” said Melissa Ivory-Brown, one of his instructors.
“He leaves with us so many precious memories and so many priceless moments that will never be forgotten. He has truly touched all of us. He will always be remembered.”