Williette Kingdom is still going through the grieving process.
Kingdom, a senior on the Greenville Christian School basketball team, has lost four relatives in the last two months, including her 20-year-old sister Salyssia Brown.
Kingdom has also lost her grandmother, Kati Predalus, her uncle, Daryl Maxy, and her cousin Terrel Kingdom.
The deaths of her loved ones are a lot for her to take in, Kingdom said, and she is still processing it all.
However, Kingdom knows that she is not going through this time alone.
Along with her family, Kingdom also has the support of all of her teammates at Greenville Christian School.
“This is all part of God’s plan, and I am truly thankful that my teammates have been there for me,” Kingdom said. “The sport of basketball has really helped me take my mind off everything for at least the moments when I am on the court.”
Kingdom said her family does not know the cause of her sister’s death. Salyssia Brown was living in Grand Folk, North Dakota when she died. She was brought home to be buried in Greenville on Oct. 5
Despite the obstacles in her life, Kingdom is still playing basketball at a high level. During her team’s 65-38 victory over Delta Academy Thursday night, Kingdom erupted for 14 third quarter points to help the Lady Saints put the game away and improve their record to 4-3.
“It seems that each game is getting better and better for me,” Kingdom said. “I really feel like I am getting back in touch with myself. I also feel that our bond as a team gets stronger after every game.”
Tariyah Washington contributed 10 points for GCS. Kortlyn Foules scored eight points, and Jordyn Claiborne scored five points.
Greenville Christian Coach Brother Sandifer said he was pleased with his team’s effort in the game, especially since he was not satisfied with the way his Lady Saints had played on Tuesday night in a home loss to Bayou Academy.
“We have played seven games this season, and I have been happy with how we have played six of them,” Coach Sandifer said.
