Mattox Williams
Mattox Whiteside Kristopher Williams lost his battle to cancer on Monday, January 29, 2024. Mattox had just had his golden birthday on January 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 #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, Robotics, National Honors Society, Quiz Bowl, sports 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 over $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 the patients and cancer research. Mattox has 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 that 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 held in the SJHS Student Center on Saturday, February 3rd from 5:30-7:30 p.m. To honor him, wear a jersey, purple, or 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.
Written by Grace Williams in collaboration with The Wind-Up.
Dear Mattox,
Ellie Fischer: You are such a fun person to talk to, whether it was in Mr. Holleman’s class while we struggled with our websites, having to deal with crazy people in Journalism, in biology about Whitney Valentine and bubble letters with Gail, or in the fieldhouse hallway during homecoming with Megan: I’ll forever love hanging out with you!
Bridget Nuter: You’re such an inviting and easy person to talk to: from making jokes in J1 to chatting on the volleyball bench, you are somebody I know I can count on in more ways than one. We are so lucky to have you on our Wind-Up staff as a hardworking, talented, and hilarious writer, but also as an incredible person. You brighten up our class and bring so much to our publication and everyone who writes for it and reads it :)
Camp Daniels: Your spirited, positive outlook on life is so inspiring, and you have touched the hearts of so many people.
Avery Bock: Your positivity will forever be inspiring to me, and everyone around you. I’ll never forget our journalism memories and very interesting Cotillion dinner. Keep making everyone smile!
Juswin Judge: You go above and beyond to show others kindness, and inspire me every day with our conversations in Wind-Up. I feel so lucky to call you a friend and love every second with you.
Hailey Mercado: I appreciate how you are so willing to help those around you and how it’s so easy to have a conversation with you. You always have such a bright attitude and I admire the way you are always lending people a helping hand.
Mia Wurster: You bring such a bright light to our classroom. You are very creative and always full of great ideas. Your kindness and positive attitude is very inspiring! We love you Mattox!
Meghan Meier: Your positive attitude is inspiring to everyone you come across and you carry a light with you everywhere you go. I’m thankful for our conversations and all of our time together-- you truly are an amazing person. We all love you so much!
Dylan Conybeare: Your warm personality makes talking to you feel like a big hug. I’m glad that you’re on the wind-up staff and to call you a friend.
Hugo Kapelke: I’m so thankful that I’ve gotten to know you and I remain thankful for that each day. You bring something incredibly special to every room you enter, whether it be through clever writing, witty conversation, or simply inspiration.
Cassidy Watson: Your positivity and kindness always show wherever you go. You are always dedicated to helping in any way you can with the Wind-Up no matter what’s going on and you always bring the most creative ideas to the table. We are so lucky to have you on the staff!
Bella Alimenti: Ever since you started on staff I’ve loved working with you and getting to know your scoop on sports! You’re such a great person to chat with and discuss ideas with. We love having you on staff.
Chris Jordan: You are one of those guys that makes people think “gee, if everyone was like him, the world would be a better place.” Being your editor this year has been such an easy experience for me. You have such an incredible commitment to the publication and are always willing to help, no matter what. In and out of the pub-lab you are a kind, dedicated human with a big heart. Thank you for bringing your positivity to the Wind-Up.
Ella Dykstra: No matter what, I swear you are always smiling and I love that. You are truly an inspiration and I aspire to spread the positivity you give off. I’m thankful to have your sports knowledge on the Wind-Up and to call you friend.