Killed by gun October 9, 1998, at age 21

Chaunise Kiyana WIlliams was born June 13, 1977 in Compton, CA, was the second child of proud parents, Michael and Gardette Williams. To know her was to see and understand the joy and beauty life has to offer. Chaunise has a wonderful smile, through which she could convey the sweetness in her heart and her compassion for others.

At age 9, Chaunise accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, and is a member of Glory Christian Fellowship International. She was active in the Youth Choir, Day 3 Dance Ministry, Youth Entrepreneurial Project, and Sunday School Nursery during her teen years.

Chaunise attended Community Christian Academy in Norwalk, CA, Annalee Elementary and Curtis Junior High in Carson, CA.and graduated from Bravo Medical Magnet High School inLos Angeles on June 30, 1995. Chaunise was active in flag-football, drill team, and softball. She was also a dedicated participant in the USC Med-Cor Program.

Chaunise was currently a student at Santa Monica Community College, while working for the Los Angeles Unified School District at Stephen White Middle School as a Supervisor/Campus Aide. She was considered an excellent role model and mentor (especially with the African-American Student Club) that had a tremendous impact on the young ladies she supervised and aided on campus. She has a genuine passion for children. Her interest and commitment to help children led her to major in Child Development.

Chaunise had a vision and goal to own and operate a 24-hour child care center. It would be complete with computer centers, tutorial services, a network of community resources, and an infirmary for sick children.

Chaunise left to be with the Lord on Friday, October 9, 1998. Cherishing her memory is her mother and father, Michael and Gardette Williams. In passing, she also leaves a sister, Mychelle JaTong; two brothers, Michael T. II and Christopher Dion; a niece Cherish MeEtte, whom Cherish knew as TEE TEE; and a very dear and close friend, Mr. Marcus Earl Williams.

By Gardette Williams, Mother