" From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise. " (Matthew 21:6)

SHAWN ALAN WILLIAMS was born to Roshawn Gentle on September 2, 2006 in Aurora, Illinois. He relocated with his grandmother, Paula Strickling-Williams to her childhood home in South San Francisco, California in December 2008. Together, they lived with her mother, Mrs. Ann Strickling.

While there Shawn attended the St. Stephen MBC, (the late Rev. J.D. Wilhite, Pastor), in San Francisco, California. At just 2 years old, he attended Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served as a junior usher. Later he assisted Deacon Joe Bullock with devotion by singing and praying. At just 4 years old, Shawn sang in the Gospel Jewels Workshop Choir under the direction of Kris Martin. He led the song, " Stir Up the Gift " for the musical. In August 2011, Shawn led that song with the Youth Choir at the Cornerstone Baptist Church of San Francisco, Rev. Kenneth Reece Pastor. Coincidently, Pastor Ephraim Williams of St. Paul BC of Sacramento was there to preach the morning message. After worship service, He invited Shawn to be the guest soloist for his 40 ^th Pastoral Anniversary Celebration, in September 2011. Shawn and his grandmother, Paula Strickling-Williams along with other family members were in attendance on that special day. God knew then the road on which Shawn was about to travel.

In July 2013, Shawn and his grandmother relocated to Elk Grove, California. They immediately united with St. Paul BC. Shawn was baptized on May 22, 2016 and became an active member of the Sunday School, Little Worker's Guild Choir, Children's Church, and Manhood Development.

Shawn loved the Lord; loved singing Praises to the Lord; loved ALWAYS attending St. Paul church services, and loved sitting in the front of the church, close to the spiritual fire. He often sat with Mother Minnie Lexion. Gospel music was dear to Shawn's heart. He loved singing – especially in the church. His signature song, " If Anybody Asks You Who I Am ," was the first song he learned to sing as a toddler. HALLELUJAH! All who heard Shawn sing were blessed and amazed by his singing ability. Truly the Lord's hand was upon him in a special way.

In addition to singing, Shawn loved to play music on his keyboard and was learning to play the guitar. He also liked going fishing, playing video games riding his bike. He loved spending time with his family; particularly his cousins and his two pet Maltipoo dogs Max & Macy. He had special relationships by phone with those relatives that lived afar like great-grandma Ann Strickling, with whom he spoke with every week and which often turned into Bible study. (His favorite Scripture was Psalms 23). He had weekly phone conversations with his Uncle and Godfather, Ivory Gentle who lives in Hawaii. Additionally, he had frequent phone visits with Deacon Greg Puckering and Deacon Orville Bell of St. Paul BC.

Shawn was an 8 ^th grade student at LaVista Middle School in Fair Oaks, California.

Although he suddenly departed this life on April 10, 2020 at the young age of 13, there is comfort in knowing that Shawn is present with the Lord, singing Praises unto His Lord in the heavenly choir, all the day long!

He leaves to cherish his memory: his Mother, Roshawn Gentle of Elk Grove, CA; his Grandmother, Paula Strickling-Williams of Elk Grove, CA; his Uncle/Godfather, Ivory Gentle (Yumi) of Honolulu, HI; his Great-Grandmother, Mrs. Ann Strickling of Middletown, DE; The Strickling Family (Aunties, Uncles, & Cousins); his Beloved Pastor, Dr. Ephraim Williams and the St. Paul BC Family of Sacramento, CA; Special Friend and Pastor, Dr. Julian E. Spencer of Aurora, IL; and a host of other relatives, and friends.