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Sean Williams Obituary
Sean was born to Debra and Michael Williams in Fort Benning, GA, on January 28th, 1983. He was raised in Hubert, North Carolina, attended grade school in Gaeta, Italy, and was a member of the Swansboro High School Class of 2001. Sean graduated in December of 2005 from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. Twenty-three days after his graduation, on January 2nd, 2006, Sean was diagnosed with cancer. Sean immediately began to "fight the good fight" against leukemia and, subsequently, Guillain-Barre' Syndrome. His unbelievable courage and fervent desire to help others will live on in many ways, including the more than 1,000 new potential bone marrow donors who registered as a result of his efforts to help his fellow sufferers and to raise cancer awareness. Our family has only one request: that the positive example Sean set with his life will inspire everyone to "Dance like no one is watching, love like you've never been hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live everyday like it is your last day on earth."
Sean is survived by his loving parents, Debra and Michael Sr.; brothers, Michael Jr., Brent and Brian; sister-in-law, Katherine; nephew, Michael III, and niece, Elizabeth; and the love of his life, Amber Perry.
A memorial service for Sean will be held at Jones Funeral Home in Swansboro, NC, on Sunday, February 18th, from 5-9 p.m. Father Tim Hogan will celebrate a Mass of Resurrection for Sean on Monday, February 19th, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mildred's Catholic Church in Swansboro, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the Williams Family asks everyone between the ages of 18 and 60 to contact the National Marrow Donor Program at www.marrow.org to become a registered bone marrow donor, or to make a financial donation to The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Wilmington, NC at (910) 779-0775 or www.llls.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sean Williams
Kim White
February 21, 2007
To the Family and Loved Ones of Sean Williams:
What a beautiful tribune to your loved one. This obituary helped those of us who never knew Sean to realize what a wonderful person he must have been, how much he was, and still is, loved and what a strong and positive spirit he possessed.
My heart goes out to you in your sorrow and in celebation of Sean's life. I will continue to keep you in prayer, asking GOD to help you find comfort in precious memories of the beautiful life gone all too soon from your midst.
Sean, behind Tommy and Mike
Sharon Barnhart
February 19, 2007
Dear Williams Family,
Sean has been in my prayers for a long time now, since their freshman year, just after 9/11, as one of the few friends of my oldest son, Thomas (Tommy to you) in a new place away from home, that I knew. I met him Friday night of Parents' Weekend in a crowd of beautiful young men, but we had dinner at King Neptune's on Saturday and I went home to Atlanta knowing that Thomas was in the best possible company. Sean has been in my prayers daily from the moment I learned of his diagnosis, and often on my mind. I was so happy to spend time with him at the party following Thomas' graduation in May. My heart and prayers have been with you these last months and weeks, almost exclusive of any other thoughts or feelings.
The moon rose tonight a sliver in the western sky above a brightly shining Venus, the Evening Star. We are small in this universe. Sustained by love, Sean continues in our prayers. May peace and love be with you.
Frank Werner
February 19, 2007
To the family of Sean Williams. We did not know Sean and learned only yesterday of your loss. We offer our deepest sympathy. Mike, I don't think we have crossed paths since graduating other than at our 25th reunion. I did not know you were in NC. Karla and I live near Clayton and I work at Seymour Johnson AFB. Maybe our paths will cross sometime in the future. Until then, we wish you strength to get through this difficult time.
Monica
February 19, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Williams, I learned about your wonderful son, Sean, through his friend Thomas' mom. Lymphoma has touched my family and I, too, had a son in Iraq. I will continue to pray for your other son's safety and please know that you have the condolences of so many people who will never have the privilege of meeting your son. Your son Sean is also a hero in the example of his life.
Wanda Benson
February 19, 2007
To the family of Sean and to Amber,
I did have the pleasure of getting to know Sean. When I met Sean right away I could see the love he had for Amber. See I am Amber'a Aunt. The love that Sean and Amber shared was so sincere. I am so proud of Amber for being with Sean every step of the way. Amber you truly are a wonderful young woman. Amber you mean the world to me and I will always be here for you. To Sean's family you are one of the closest famlies I have ever seen. Thank you letting Amber be a part of such a loving family. You all will be in my prayers.
Lisa Licht
February 19, 2007
When I think of the word courage, Sean will always be the definition of what courage represents. He was a beautiful shining soul on this earth and we all have been blessed by his presence. You guys were an amazing testimonial of the true meaning of family and love. We are grateful for having the opportunity to work with all of you. What a wonderful experience of true courage and love!
Lisa Licht
Annette Fitzsimmons
February 18, 2007
Mike & Debra,
I am so sorry for your loss. All of your memories of your amazing son will help in your healing. Please know that I am praying for you and your family.
With love - Annette & Fitz
Mary and Homer Wade
February 18, 2007
To the Williams familly and Amber,
You do not know us, but we read the article about your son, Sean, and were touched by his life and strength during the last year of his life.
Our family loss our beautiful granddaugher, Jessica, to lung cancer in January 2007. She never smoked and graduated from UNCW in December 2005, as did your Sean.
I found her Commencement Book and they both graduated in December 2005.
She was diagnosed in August 2006 and was with us exactly 5 months longer of her life.
We loved her and will miss her every day of the rest of her life, but she will live on with her sisters and family as we are sure Sean will.
Please know that he will be in our prayers. With deepest sympathy, Mary and Homer
Crista Creedle
February 18, 2007
I had the joy and pleasure of getting to know Sean as one of his nurses at UNC. Although I work with patients every day who fight cancer, Sean fought this disease more courageously than anyone I have ever witnessed and up until the very end. He was such a blessing to all of the nursing staff and will forever be remembered. Your family and Amber have been such an example of how much of a difference a loving family can make in someone's life. It is comforting to know Sean is no longer suffering in Heaven. We love you and will keep you in our prayers in the difficult weeks and months to come.
Crystal Caison
February 17, 2007
To the family of SEAN...such a special soul i seen in him...i spoke and laughed with sean many days at HMS..he always had that cute lil grin no matter how bad he felt..he was my encouragement many days...you are in my prayers..crystal caison, ma HMS
Megan and Ryli McGorry
February 17, 2007
For Sean and his family....
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your Fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you
In the palm of his hand."
We are truly heartbroken and sorry for your loss.
janice bloom
February 17, 2007
I too did not know Sean and am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him and his loving, supportive network of family, friends and caretakers... but how Blessed I've been to read his story and to encourage others to become bone marrow donors~~I became a donor six years ago and pray that I'll receive a call to make a difference one day! I only wish it could have been for Sean... I'm certain Sean's smile touched many lives and I pray that his loved ones will also be able to live out the inspirational message they requested us to do and that they will remember God's promise to us... "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:1 Peace be with you <><
Brenda Whitley
February 17, 2007
To the family of Sean Williams as well as to Amber, my heart goes out to each of you as you go through this terrible loss of someone that you loved so much. I truly know your hurt because I also lost my son. Just know that God will carry you as long as you need for him to. Sean seemed to be a very special young man who was deeply loved by all those that knew him. I have found that remembering the time he was here and not the fact that he is gone, helps to heal the broken heart. I will keep all of you in my prayers. God's Love,
The nurse aide at UNC, Amber Howard
February 17, 2007
I am very sorry for your loss. Sean is in a better place with the Lord. You all are a superb family and very devoted. Take care and God bless, it was a pleasure to know you.
Dorothy Lentz
February 17, 2007
Mike and Debra, You don't know me but Donna Fitzgerald and Amber are very special people to me. They have spoke of Sean and how much he has meant to them. I am praying for you and your family. May the peace of God help you and give you strength during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Joy Jones
February 17, 2007
I did not know Sean nor his family, however, reading his story has compelled me to write this. My thoughts and sincere prayers go out to his family. We all take for granted the health and well being of our children and ourselves, therefore we are never prepared when something tragic happens. With Sean's story I am now encouraged to "prepare" by contacting the Bone marrow organization as we never know when one of our children or loved ones will be affected. I pray that everyone who reads Sean's story will feel compelled to consider contacting them as well and becoming a donor. Who knows whose life we may prolong or save. I pray that God will be with each of you and My heart and most earnest prayers go out to Amber. Sean, I thank you for your life and the story and inspiration you have been-in life and now in death. God Bless you all!
Fr John Sheehan, SJ
February 17, 2007
I just heard about Sean's death, and I will offer Mass for him, and for all those who loved him. I cannot imagine your sorrow.
In Africa, they say that no parent should have to bury a child, and in many places, parents do not even attend the funeral. It is outside the way the universe should run.
I am sure that the prayers of many will be with you during these days.
Reggie Brew
February 17, 2007
We know your pain. We lost our beloved Ryan to leukemia last July. He was 28 and fought the killer for 4 1/2 years. So sorry your beloved Sean fell in the battle as well.
Linda Hayward
February 17, 2007
Debra and Mike,
I was so sorry to hear about Sean. May the love of friends and family comfort you through the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Millar Hayward
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