Mindy Williamson

To live, to love and to be loved are life’s greatest joys. And although each journey is filled with delightful blessings as well as saddening sorrows, in the end, it is love that matters most. For Mindy Williamson, her greatest joy was being a devoted wife and loving mother. With high hopes for a promising tomorrow, Mindy’s all too brief time to share all that she had to give and more was swiftly taken away. For those she loved, her precious and loving imprint has been left on the hearts of many.

The year 1980 was a time of transition in America. Although the new decade held great expectations for many, the economy suffered greatly with the onset of an economic recession. It was also the year John Lennon of the Beatles fame was tragically murdered, but in light of the day’s struggles, the world of electronics was increasing by the minute which greatly redirected the nation into a whole new way of living and conducting business. It was into these changing times on August 31, 1980 when Robert and Cindy Watson welcomed the birth of their beautiful daughter, Mindy into their hearts.

A fun loving child from the start, Mindy’s bright smile lit up the lives of her family. She grew up with her three brothers, Joseph, Eugene and Marcos as well as her sister, Jessica. As a child she enjoyed playing with neighborhood friends and attended the local schools where her sweet and likable nature shone bright. A typical teenager, Mindy was eager to begin a life of her own and looked forward to a promising future. Throughout high school Mindy was a well liked and outgoing girl who rooted for her home team, the Fighting Kays and went on to graduate from Kankakee High School with the Class of 1998.

After graduating Mindy spent time working at various jobs where she gained experience. In time she discovered the meaning of true love when she met a handsome fellow named Charles Williamson. With an immediate and shared attraction, Mindy really liked Charles. He was overwhelmingly taken with her silky locks, bright smile and sparkling blue eyes, but it was Mindy’s tender heart and bubbly personality that captured Charles’ heart. The two began dating and eventually found themselves deeply in love. Kindred spirits, Mindy and Charles’ personalities complimented each other in everything they did. They soon shared vows of marriage and set out for a new life together filled with hope and promise. They made their home in the Bradley area where Mindy in time began working at Target.

When Mindy believed in something she gave it everything she had. She was not just an avid Chicago Cubs fan, but was literally fanatic about her beloved Cubs. She also followed the Green Bay Packers, and in time enjoyed spending time on the computer keeping up with the latest and posting on Facebook. More than anything, Mindy simply loved being surrounded by her family and friends.

Mindy made friends easily with her warmhearted ways and welcoming smile. Her genuine nature was evident which naturally drew others to her side. In her heart of hearts, no one was a stranger to Mindy. During her employment at Target she made many close and dear friends. Always cheerful, she was a joy to be around and brightened the days of those in her company. Her family along with her many friends and co-workers were overjoyed when Mindy and Charles welcomed the birth of their son, Lucas.

Charles and Lucas were everything to Mindy and she absolutely loved being a wife and mother. Since she was a little girl Mindy dreamed of growing up, getting married and having a family of her own. With her loving husband Charles by her side and her precious Lucas in her arms, Mindy was the happiest and it clearly showed in all she said and did. When she became pregnant again when her baby boy was 11 months old she was elated. Mindy loved being pregnant and did everything to include Lucas and prepare him for his upcoming role as a big brother. When she discovered she was having twins, it was a surprise and a welcome blessing all in one! Family and friends gathered to shower her with gifts for their upcoming birth and offers to help came pouring in from all directions.

The months ahead for Mindy weren’t always the easiest as is often the case when carrying multiples. With two little girls on the way, Mindy was more than ready for their arrival. She looked forward to her delivery date with great trust and anticipation, and the very thought of her sweet girls already had filled her heart with much love for them. Mindy gave birth to her two beautiful and healthy little girls, lovingly named Addison and Gracie. Within hours of their birth, joy was mixed with sorrow when Mindy began experiencing complications and without warning, Mindy sadly slipped away in death on Saturday, January 15, 2011.

Mindy touched the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her loving family and wonderful friends. She considered herself a blessed woman, but in reality, many lives were made richer for having known and loved Mindy. She lived fully, loved completely and experienced her heartfelt desire of being a devoted wife and dedicated mother. Although her time was all too brief, she has left an undeniable imprint in the hearts and lives of those she touched in the short time she was given to share. Dearly missed and fondly remembered, may her love be what is remembered most.

Mindy is survived by her husband, Charles; children: son, Lucas and twin daughters, Addison and Gracie, all at home; brothers: Joseph Swinford of Arkansas, Eugene Corona and Marcos Corona, both of Aroma Park, Illinois; sister, Jessica (Oliver) Quezada also of Aroma Park, Illinois; grandmother, Mary Louise Swinford of Kankakee, Illinois; stepfather, Rafael Corona of Aroma Park, Illinois; niece and nephew, Laurie Quezada and Anthony Quezada, both of Aroma Park, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Watson; her mother, Cindy Corona; grandfather, Curtis Swinford; aunt, Angela Swinford; and uncle, Charles Swinford.

Meet with Mindy’s family on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 3-8 PM at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes. The funeral service for Mindy will take place Friday, January 21, 2011, 10:00 AM at the same location. Burial in Aroma Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to her children are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Mindy or to sign her online guest book.