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.