The Natalie Williams Compassion Fund
Natalie Williams was a talented, athletic student who attended Starkville High School. She was involved in several groups and activities. She excelled in tennis, ran cross country, and played flute in the SHS Band. Along with her school activities, Natalie was involved in the FUMC Youth Group. Alongside her family, she was an indispensable part of these communities. Natalie found joy in art, literature and had a wonderful sense of humor.
In August 2023, Natalie departed, surrounded by her family, and embraced by the love of her Starkville community. We grieve the loss of her spirited essence, infectious smile, and unwavering dedication to her numerous organizations.
To honor her legacy, we have established this fund as a meaningful reminder to all of us to practice kindness, and to help create a culture where our children feel safe, accepted, and supported. We can never truly comprehend another person’s struggles. May Natalie’s memory inspire us to embody compassion as active members of our community, fostering inclusivity, empathy, and a quest for understanding.
2023-2024 Natalie Williams Compassion Project
Starkville Community Tennis Court Renovation
The Starkville Community Foundation is focused on providing a funding vehicle to improve health in Starkville! With our newly built baseball complex, renovations taking place at McKee Park, and a new turf soccer field at the Sportsplex, Starkville is finally on the right path to creating an athletic and active community we can celebrate!
We asked, and 457 of you responded in two days that you wanted to renovate the Starkville Community Tennis Courts. If renovated, Starkville could host tournaments and rebuild a local tennis association. SHS Coach Vanessa Shaffer is excited and dedicated to building the next generation of tennis youth. She hosted over 120 children in affordable clinics last summer!
The courts, located at Starkville High School, will be accessible to the whole community, with SHS practices and matches taking priority. We are also working on additional lighting, parking, bathrooms, and safety solutions. This project is a three-way partnership among the Starkville School District, the City of Starkville, and the Starkville Community Foundation. The Starkville Community Foundation has committed to raising one-third of the funds for this renovation. If you share our vision, please contribute today and help us celebrate and remember Natalie Williams.
““I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” ”