Makanda Williams of Macedonia

Makanda Jaide Williams lived a life worth remembering.

With a heart as pure as gold, she seized every opportunity to be forgiving, helpful, loving, understanding and kind. She put others first with a sense of compassion well beyond her 10 short years on this earth.

Born in Mt. Vernon on May 4, 2007, Makanda spent the last year of her life fighting the demon called DIPG with the courage of a warrior. She lay down her sword on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 12:18 a.m., at her home in Macedonia, surrounded in love by her family and friends.

A blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty who loved fashion, fancy clothes, makeovers and makeup, Makanda demonstrated to those who crossed her path the true meaning of strength and beauty.

Her love for family and friends was fierce, as was her love of all animals, especially her German Shepard, Sadie Mae, and equal to her faith in God.

Makanda leaves behind an army to watch over including her parents, Sarah and John Carlton of Macedonia; her twin brother, Connor; sister, Addison; maternal grandmother, Ramona Kearney of Benton; paternal grandparents, Tom and Rita Carlton of Benton; maternal great-grandmother Viola Werlinger of Benton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins, who all held a special place in her heart.

She will join those who passed before her, including her maternal grandfather, John Williams; maternal great-grandfather J.B. Kearney; and paternal great-grandparents Dwight and Norma Carlton and Artie and Edgar Hayes.

Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of Makanda's life and legacy, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, at the Whittington Church with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. The family requests that everyone dress comfortably, maybe wearing MakandaStrong shirts or her favorite color, purple.

Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, at the Whittington Church.

Goodbyes hurt the most when the story in unfinished ... so, for now, it's see you later, Makanda. Your journey isn't over. It's just begun.

Makanda's family will continue her fight with the hope that her legacy will enable other children to survive the monster called DIPG. Memorials can be made in Makanda's memory to the Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation at www.defeatdipg.org.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.