Dynastie Nicole Williams

Dynastie Nicole Williams, aged thirty-one, from Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on April 10, 2025, at 9:34 a.m. She was born on December 28, 1993, at 10:28 a.m. in Las Vegas, Nevada, at Sunrise Hospital. Her birth occurred as anticipated, although not expected during a family vacation requested by her paternal grandparents, Papa Johnnie and Grandma Tina. Since that memorable day, Dynastie has always been regarded as the 'jackpot' blessing of our family.

As a child of a military family, Dynastie experienced various relocations. The term 'military brat' often refers to children who frequently move and develop a strong sense of community and shared experiences. Although 'brat' may carry negative implications, it describes a distinct characterization of resilience and adaptability.

Dynastie excelled at adjusting to new environments, communities, schools, organizations, churches, and making new friends. Her military and educational transitions included the following locations before she settled permanently in Phoenix, AZ: Fort Irwin, CA (1993-1995); Fort Benning, GA (1995-1998) at Pinehurst Christian School; Fort Wainwright, AK (1998-1999) home schooling and attendance at Arctic Light Elementary School; Fort Leavenworth, KS (1999-2000) at MacArthur Elementary School; Fort Lewis, WA (2000-2001) at Evergreen Forest Elementary School; Stafford, VA - Pentagon Assignment (2001-2005) at Hampton Oaks Elementary School; Olympia, WA (2005-2012) at Evergreen Christian School and Tumwater High School; Richmond, VA (2012-2013) at Virginia Union University; Norfolk, VA (2013-2016) at Old Dominion University; and Ft. Hood, TX (2016-2017) as a military spouse.

Dynastie graduated from Tumwater High School in 2012 with National Academic Honors. During her time at Tumwater, she wore the crown as Sophomore Homecoming Queen. She also participated on the bowling team and was a member of the Noteables Choir. Additionally, she was actively involved at Capital Christian Center, serving on the worship team and participating in the youth group. A significant highlight in Dynastie's life was her selection to lead a song at the White House Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, where she outshone the tree itself.

Following her high school graduation, Dynastie was resolute in her desire to emulate her sister by enrolling at Virginia Union University, a private Christian Historical Black College and University (HBCU) in Richmond, Virginia. It was there that she met Antoine McGriff, the father of their two sons and her former husband. They subsequently welcomed their first child, Milo Anthony, who is currently 10 years old. Dynastie and Antoine were married in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 29, 2015, and soon after, they had their second son, Rise Simeon, who is now 9 years old. Despite becoming a mother to two sons during her college years, Dynastie was unwavering in her commitment, demonstrating resilience, determination, and self-motivation to complete her four-year degree 'on time' as if she had never given birth.

She later transferred to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where Dynastie was granted distinction of membership with Sigma Alpha Lambda, the National Leadership and Honors Organization, and served as a Student Assistant in the University's Office of the President. In May 2016, Dynastie graduated, her words 'on time' with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Professional Writing.

In 2024, Dynastie made the decision to further advance her education by applying to, being accepted, and enrolling in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, until her untimely passing. We know that Dynastie will be the proudest Southern University “Jaguar” in heaven!

Throughout her career, Dynastie held various positions, including Proposal Writer, Government Contractor with a Top-Secret clearance, HR Assistant, Recruiter for Arlington National Cemetery, Facilitator of New Members/On-board Hire Orientations, Company Event Planner, Social Media Manager, Website Designer and Developer, and creator of Quarterly Company Editorial News. In her capacity as a Civic leader, Dynastie served as a volunteer Board Member on the Grant Writing team for the Williams Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement.

Dynastie led a life filled with passion and enthusiasm, committing herself to significant endeavors that sparked a profound sense of joy and satisfaction. Her interests and hobbies encompassed singing, preparing meals for everyone, crafting creative birthday cakes annually for the boys, personal make-up artist for her mommy, engaging in creative writing, scrapbooking, participating in arts and crafts, painting stones, creating new recipes, and rescuing stray animals that others overlooked. Dynastie’s home remained perpetually filled with pets. However, what truly drove Dynastie was her deep love for all individuals from diverse backgrounds and her desire to assist those in need.

Dynastie is the legacy of her two sons, Milo Anthony McGriff and Rise Simeon McGriff, and her formal husband, all residing in Phoenix, Arizona. Her parents, Tony, and Tina Williams, from Chandler, Arizona, her sister Alexis Medina, brother-in-law Caonabo Alonzo Medina, and her niece Zahia Ajiona Medina, all of whom live in Phoenix, Arizona and paternal grandmother, Georgia (Tina) Douglas-Anderson (Wilbur) of Dallas, Texas. Aunts and Uncles: Tameka Young, of Minden, La.; Evander Rhines (Betty), of Shreveport, La.; Dr. Tichina Williams of Waxahachie, Texas; Yolanda Williams of Baton Rouge, La; Renard Williams and Latonya Williams of Shreveport, La., Greg Douglas (Tameka) of Kaufman, Texas, and Ferrin Douglas (Tamara) of Oak Leaf, Texas.

Dynastie preceded in passing by her grandparents, Johnnie Douglas, O.C. Morgan, Ella Mary Young, Gloria Jean Johnson. Her uncles, James Rhines and Michael Rhines and Aunt Lawanna Williams.

Lastly, she leaves behind her Godchildren Maelie, Nalo, and Laiklin Thomas from Olympia, Washington. Godparents Billy and Peggy Johnson from Fishers, Indiana, her God sisters Lakisha Johnson-Chambers from Palatine, Illinois, Logan White from Washington, DC, and Bennie Asomaning from Lacey, Washington, as well as her Godbrothers Tyson, Samuel, and Kainoa Yi from Washington state, Benjamin White, Jr. (BJ) from Stanford, California, and Antonio McElroy (AJ) from Woodbridge, Virginia. Dynastie also leaves to mourn her “Spiritual Brothers” Luis Rodriguez from Lacey, Washington, and Shehan Goonewardene from Sri Lanka, along with multiple Military Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Dear friends, and Current Classmates.