Mattox W. Williams

2007 - 2024

Mattox Whiteside Kristopher Williams lost his battle to cancer on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.

Mattox had just had his golden birthday on Jan. 17. He was born in 2007, and for those 17 years he was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.

He played basketball, baseball and soccer, and participated in cross country and track throughout middle school.

Mattox became well known for his incredible basketball skills freshman year, repping No. 25. He was a teammate and a part of the St. Joe's basketball family for the next two years. Mattox was also a member of Student Senate, National Honors Society, Quiz Bowl, sport editor for The Wind-Up, and a stat keeper for the girls varsity volleyball team. He was also an all-honors student who valued his education and appreciated all his teachers and administration at Upton Middle School and the high school.

Mattox set his heart on advocating for pediatric cancer and raising money for the patients, family members, and staff members at Mott's Children's Hospital, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, and the Marie Yeager Cancer Center. He created and hosted the first-ever Hoops for Hope event, raising more than $17,000 for the staff, patients and family receiving treatment in those hospitals. His ambition was to continue Hoops for Hope, and through that, raise awareness and fundraise money for patients and cancer research.

Mattox survived this journey and fought this fight with his primary caregivers and parents: Amber and Sam, and with his siblings: Grace and Jude. Mattox loved to spend his time with his beloved family and friends Da Bud's, watching Purdue, Michigan and Clemson games, and snuggling with his two puppies: Mangobird and Jumbo.

He earned the nickname "Smiley" by fellow teammates, coaches and classmates because he was always expressing his cheerfulness with a smile on his face no matter the circumstance. Mattox made an impression on anyone who saw him; he inspired, spread kindness, and made an impact on people's lives before he was even diagnosed with cancer. He single-handedly brought together all our local communities, advocated for our local pediatric patients and global ones, and transformed everyone's lives.

Through Mattox's cancer journey, he gave us the gift of what it means to truly and fully live. Even in death, he asked that we all continue to fight against pediatric cancer, to keep moving forward, and to always be kind.

For "Smiley," a celebration of life will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, in the St. Joseph High School Student Center, 2521 Stadium Drive, St. Joseph. To honor him, wear a jersey, purple or other bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, he asked that donations in his memory are made directly to Hoops for Hope or the Marie Yeager Cancer Center.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.