On Monday, July 29th, Drew Williams, age 16, lost his life.

It was just another hot, summer afternoon like so many other. The young man was mowing the yard. Then in the blink of an eye, inconceivable tragedy struck. 

Due to a reason undetermined, while mowing a lights standard fell and hit Williams on the head. Despite the frantic efforts of First Responders called to the scene, the vivacious teen who was so very loved and respected by all who had known him, never recovered. 

In a few weeks, the son of Jason Williams and Tracy McDaniel-Jones would have been beginning his senior year in high school at Weston High. During his short time at WHS after transferring from Grant High School a couple of years back, Williams quickly proved to be an outstanding student, teammate and inspirational leader. Regularly, he led Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meetings, giving messages to fellow WHS athletes and leading the school in prayer. He also proved to be a tremendous leader on the Wolves baseball team where he was expected to make major contributions this year. 

The local community is still reeling from the shock of yet another so young and promising being taken before their prime as this tragedy now marks four summers in a row that a young person from Jackson Parish has lost their life. 

Many friends and acquaintances, as well as, WHS faculty members, teammates and those from other local parish high schools have made social media posts in an outpouring of compassion and hopeful comfort to his family. Below are a few.

“To know you was to love you. I was so blessed to not only know him as a teacher, but to also be able to see him come to the Lord and serve in our church. Drew was a giver. He always met you with a smile and also wanted to see everyone else smile and laugh. Right now we have so much pain in our hearts, but if you saw him grow in faith in the last year like I did, you will know that he is happy serving in heaven right now. He and my boys were becoming great friends and that was ended way too soon. We are facing loss, but in my prayers there will be much gain that comes out of our sorrow.” – Cindy Pardue 

“I will miss his morning prayers, his begging to just stay in my room, his bright smile, our Taylor Swift talks, and his goofy personality. No one is kinder or more loving than this boy. Teaching him was a privilege and he taught me just as much as I taught him.  I’ll miss you Drew.” – Rachel Watts Waggoner

“Words can’t even describe how i feel. Today I lost a friend and a former teammate. Drew was kind and was never afraid to be himself. I got to know him through playing baseball in high school and i always remember him telling me all the progress he made during weight training, asking for tips and etc. The memories we made going down south for baseball trips (he was my roommate most of the time), and especially all the corny jokes he made that were funny because of how bad the were. I also always enjoyed his company and our talks when I got to early morning baseball workouts and he’d come sit in my truck while we waited to go in. My condolences go out to all of his family and fellow friends.” – Taylor Harvey 

“There are just no words. Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding. You surely left your mark Drew and used your short time to lead others to Christ. Thank you for being a great team mate and friend to Coop. Weston won’t be the same without you but you’ll never be forgotten by anyone who knew you. Please help lift his family and friends up in prayer,” – Katie Delaney

“Our loss is heaven’s gain. Drew touched more lives than he probably even realized. Please cover our community, his teammates, his friends, and especially his family in prayers. Although it hurts now, we can rest assured knowing he’s in the arms of Jesus.” – Weston Wolves Baseball 

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

“We ask our Weston family and friends to join us in prayer for the Williams family, our faculty, staff, students, and community as we mourn the loss of Drew Williams. Drew was a leader on and off the field. There was no better way to start our school day than by hearing his uplifting FCA messages and prayer on our morning announcements. Drew’s infectious smile and fun personality will be greatly missed!” – Weston High School 

“Jonesboro-Hodge High School is praying for the Williams Family and Weston High School as we all mourn the sudden passing of Drew Williams. We are here for you. We know there are really no appropriate words, but our prayer is that you will find comfort, peace, and strength in God!” – Jonesboro-Hodge High School 

“Quitman High School send prayers and support for the Williams family and the Weston High School faculty, staff, students and community,” – Quitman High School 

Memorial Fund Set Up 

A memorial fund for the family to help incur expenses has been set up at the Bank of Winnfield. If you would like to donate the fund is under the names of Karen Clark or James Jason Williams. For more information or answers to questions  call Karen Clark at 318-581-2462. 

Funeral Arrangements