MR. Catrell M. Williams

Catrell "Bear" M. Williams was born on June 12, 1986, to Leo L. Williams and Charlene Nixon at Centreville Township Hospital in Centreville, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by: his father, Leo L. Williams; paternal grandparents, Virdis Glen and Nannie Williams; maternal grandpar- ents, Jesse Nixon and Ruthie Hill Nixon; step-grandfather, Russell Green; and special aunts, Sheila Cannon and Rose Carpenter.
Catrell was educated in School District 187 and graduated from Cahokia High School in 2005. He furthered his education at The Extreme Institute by Nelly in St. Louis, Missouri, where he nurtured his love for music.
At an early age, Catrell confessed his life to Christ at Centreville Church of Christ under the leadership of Bro. Ralph P. Smith. As a child, he was active in sports, playing baseball for the Jackie Robinson Khoury League from ages 6 to 14. He also played basketball and football in the Cahokia School District. However, his true passion was always music. A self-taught musician, Catrell mastered the keyboard along with several other instruments, using his gifts to bring joy to others.
Catrell was peacefully called home on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas, doing what he loved most, performing.
Catrell leaves behind: his loving, awesome and dedicated mother, whom he cherished, Charlene Nixon of Centreville, IL; his half brother, Darrell Rodgers of Greenville IL; special grandmother, Lillie Cannon of Centreville, IL; uncles, Willie Nixon of Omaha, NE, Vernon (Sha) Williams of Bossier City, LA, Richard (Deedra) Nixon of Waxanchie, TX and Tony Hill of Centreville, IL; aunts, Marianne Jones, Maxine Nicholson, Geraldine Nicholson and Della Reese Nicholson of Omaha, NE, Zennie Coates of Fairview Heights, IL and Darlene Perry (Special Mom) of Jackson, TN; great-aunt, Dr. Velma Hill-Jenkins of Shuqualak, MS; god- parents, Adrienne Mack of St. Louis, MO and Donald Brown of Charlotte, NC; god-sisters, Nedra Ware of Centreville, IL and Shakyra Adams of Swansea, IL; special brothers/cousins, Maurice, Brandon, Brian, Malik, Storm and Antonio; special sister/cousins, Kita, Akira and Alandra; special friends, Chad McMath, Marlon Fluker Jr., Tim Smith, Marcus Smith, Darren Goodwin, Shawn Benford and lastly, his mentor, Terra "T-Baby Oohwee" Jenkins and a host of cousins and friends.
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Known in the music world as Villeboy Ca$, Catrell joined the Hip Hop Fraternity (H.H.F.) in 2020 under the leadership of Chairman Ken Ivy and became a platinum member. He quickly made a name for himself as a gifted and passionate artist, with a musical range that spanned multiple genres - though he especially thrived in hip hop. His creativity, energy, and charisma lit up every room he entered, whether on stage, on the radio, or in interviews.
His musical journey took him from coast to coast, connecting with fans from California to New York, and everywhere in between, including Texas, New Jersey, and Chicago. Catrell collaborated with notable artists such as T.I., Trick Daddy, and Nelly, and was honored with a special lunch meeting by Ice-T and Coco in recognition of his rising influence.
In 2021, he received an award for his hit single, "Brick by Brick" a testament to the passion, dedication, and heart he poured into his craft. More than just a performer, Catrell was a leader and mentor within H.H.F., helping others find their voice and join the movement. His H.H.F. family held a special place in his heart, and his legacy will live on through his music and the countless lives he touched through his art and outreach.
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