On July 12th, 2000 on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas a beautiful baby girl was born to Norma Eushenia Baker (deceased) and Vernest Williams. Their third child, after Vancas and Devante. Vandia’s arrival was much anticipated, because she was her mother’s only girl and the apple of her eye. Vandia began her early education at Sandilands Primary School, later attending L. W. Young Junior High School where she met Ms. Bodine Johnson, who she would refer to as junior high mother. Vandia excelled at everything she did, especially academically and earned a scholarship to attend St. Andrew’s International School, where to the surprise of no one she graduated with honors in 2017. She went on to spend an additional year at St. Andrew’s where she earned an International Baccalaureate(IB).
From a very early age Vandia knew exactly what she wanted to do in life and that drive led her to attend Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York where she met another lifelong friend and mentor, Ms. Kim. During this time Vandia also worked as a Scribe at a local hospital.
Despite many hardships including her mother’s illness, Vandia excelled and graduated as a John Christoper Hartwick Scholar, the highest academic honor awarded by the school. In true Vandia fashion, that was not the end of her academic journey, she went on to graduate, once again with honors with her Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina. Vandia then joined the United States Navy in 2025. She believed deeply in the power of education and worked diligently to achieve her goals, inspiring those around her through her perseverance and commitment to personal growth. Vandia began her professional career where she worked as a phlebotomist at CSL Plasma and Octopharma Plasma, and finally, at Children’s Hospital as a PRN Athletic Trainer, and Mesquite High School as an athletic trainer until her passing.
On March 24th, 2023 Vandia married the love of her life Padgett Mitchell. Their marriage was built on love, partnership and shared dreams for the future. Their greatest blessing arrived on November 26th, 2024 with the birth of their daughter Scotland Shane Williams, who brought immeasurable joy to Vandia’s life.
Vandia was known for her warm spirit, caring heart and love of basketball. She even started driving to Forth Worth some weekends to enjoy the sport she loved.
Vandia’s love for her family and friends was unmatched and she doted on her nieces and nephews, Leiya Shaynaz, Idris Jadari, Devante, Caleb, and Malakai Williams, often demanding pictures of them daily. She shared a special bond with her beloved Peyton, her baby brother, whom she adored. She was a beacon of hope to all she came across and had a warmth about her that made every friend feel like family because to Vandia, they were.
Throughout her life Vandia had made several lasting bonds with teachers, who became mother figures, like Bodine Johnson and Ms. Kim Ayres and mentors who filled in as father figures and big bothers, like Tarahan Mackey and Kenton Meronard. Though words cannot fully capture the impact of her life, Vandia will be remembered for her big, bright smile, that never seemed to fade, her determination, compassion and unwavering dedication to those she held dear.
On May 24th, 2026 Vandia passed away. She will be laid to rest next to her favorite girl, in this world and the next, her mother Shane.
May her memory remain a blessing and comfort to all. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered and always cherished.
Vandia was predeceased by her mother: Norma Eushenia Baker,
Vandia is survived by her Wife: Padgett Williams Daughter: Scotland Shane Grandmother: Sarah Lern Williams Father: Vernest Williams Stepfather: Pascal Joseph Brothers:Vancas and Devante Williams, Peyton Joseph, Van, Danrelio, Dominique, Denveron, Verneski, Edwardo, Santino, and Vicardo Williams.
Sisters: Chryska Joseph, Joanna Bain, Lindanecia, Vernessa Williams- Kulikov, Werdessa R. Williams, Clarissa Williams-Goodson, Carlissa D. Williams. Sisters-in-law: Sophia Brelvi-Williams, Yessinia Williams, Sherrica Pinckney, Jovanei Mitchell. Nieces and Nephews: Camila Ellen Williams (deceased), Devante Jair Williams ll, Caleb Nicholas Williams, Idris Jadari Williams, Malakai Rayo Williams, and Leiya Shanayz Williams, Ze’Orelle Story. Grand Uncle: Fred “Papa” Smith Aunts: Theresa, Kim, Avis, Fredrica, Genesta, and Lamaya Baker Jestina Newbold, Adelaide Major, Betty Antonio, Patrice Williams, Ernestine Williams, Catherine Johnson, Terrymae Huggin, Ginger Smith. Uncles: Gary Cooper, Stephen and Norman Baker, Wesley, Mauro, James, and Anthony Williams. Cousins: Sharine, Teniqua Gary, Shea-fiq, and Sana Cooper, Latoya, Jerome, and Shenique Darville, Jermaine, Jamal, Justiz, and Jemelia Baker, Phenice Hanna, Andra Bowe, Rashad, and Malik Smith, Michael Brennen and LaMarr, Jordan, Ashlon, and Aiesha Baker. A host of special other family and friends: Muhammad, Rashida, and Hanifa Baker, Kimberly Ayres and family, Bodine Johnson, Terahan Mackey, Kenton Meronard, Krystynia Pyfrom and Kaitlyn Joyce, Danielle Crocco Smith and Aaron Smith, Nicole Arias, Jerome Sweeting, Yuri and Lindsey Ashley, Nicholas McElroy, Shianne Bonds, Rachel Dipeolu, Megan Wallace, Janie and Karyl Miguel, Taliegh and Caliegh Corbett, Rashad Carter, Octavia Keeno, T’nayah and Ty Searles, Teagan Crane, Rebecca and Ruth Burke, Joviana and Shannen Massenburg, Msgnr. Alfred Culmer and the St. Joseph’s Church, St. Andrew’s International School and the alumni association, Nassau Bahamas, Hartwick College Alumni Association, University of South Carolina Alumni Association and a host of other relatives and friends too many to mention.
The family will receive friends during a Visitation, Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 7PM to 9PM including a Rosary service from 8PM to 8:30PM, at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home Berkshire Chapel, 9073 Berkshire Dr, Frisco, TX, 75033. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 19, 2026, at 1:30PM, at St Martin DePorres Catholic Church, 3990 W University Dr, Prosper, TX, 75078, with Interment to follow at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Dr, Frisco, TX, 75033.