The town is hollow. Hertayvious “Taytay” Williams, 24, known to everyone as White Boy, was shot and killed in Clarksdale early Friday.
He was found on Anderson Boulevard near Catalpa Street around 2 a.m. with multiple gunshot wounds. First responders tried to save him at the scene.
He was taken to a hospital and later died. Police say the investigation is active and no suspect information has been released.
People say Taytay kept it real. He played basketball at Coahoma High School and later studied at Duke. He was born and raised in Friars Point, and he still lives there.
He had kids. That’s what makes this feel unbearable to folks who knew him.
Gone way too soon, but prayers remain
At the service and online, short messages cut straight to the point. Melinda Walton wrote what a lot of people felt: “what really hurt me the most is when I saw his boys walk up to that casket.”
She added that he “looked so good in that casket (in his red and white suit), he looked just like himself, I LOVE YOUUUU GUYS, everybody looked good.”
That image of his children approaching the casket is what many in town say will stay with them.
Quez Ihm posted, “Sending my condolences to da family its crazy wat happed to Taytay Williams and rufus I can’t believe this happen to yall while behind these walls sending prayers to friars point MS.”
Jakes Bobbyrowe offered a prayer for both families as they prepare for the homegoing celebration: “Praying For The Entire Williams & Badger Family And Friends As They Prepare For The Home Going Celebration Of TayTay And We Know God Is Able.”
Clarenitina Henderson spoke with blunt grief and anger: “It does some to me every time I think about this.”
“I’ve been pissed about a lot of things in life but Taytay Williams ts done took the cake with you. Lord knows you had a heart of gold and kept it real regardless. I hate everything about this.”
The town is coming together to remember him. Two community members organized a candlelight and prayer vigil for Sunday, December 28 at 6 p.m.
The event was approved by his mother and attendees are asked to bring a candle.
The vigil will also honor Rufus Wilkins. Organizers say the night is meant to be quiet and supportive, a place for people to stand with the family and each other.
Neighbors and old teammates talk about the little things. How he joked. How he showed up. How he was a father.
People are already arranging ways to help his children. Meals. Clothes. Money for the funeral. That practical love is how Friars Point moves after something like this.
Clarksdale police say they were called to the scene early Friday for shots fired. Officers found Williams with multiple wounds and began life-saving measures.
Emergency medical crews took over and transported him to a hospital where he later died. The department asks anyone with information to come forward.
Small towns depend on people speaking up. If you know something, step forward and tell the police.
This loss is a knot of grief and questions. Why him. Why now. How do you explain a life cut short when there are young kids watching the casket. That image has settled over the town and will not leave.
For now, the focus is on the family. People want to give them space to mourn and, at the same tim,e be there for them when they need help.
The candlelight vigil on Sunday is simple. Bring a candle. Bring a prayer. Bring whatever help you can offer the kids. Keep it calm. Keep it respectful.
Taytay’s death is a reminder of how fragile everything can be. A life that reached from Coahoma High to Duke is gone.
A town is grieving. A mother, children, and friends are left to carry a loss that will not make sense for a long time.
If you have information about the shooting, contact Clarksdale police. If you are in Friars Point and want to help the family, show up at the vigil, or reach out to organizers so they can tell you what is needed.
