REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Over 50 family and close friends walked Reidsville Senior High Schools outdoor track for 15-year-old Shakiya Wilson.
Ahead of the football game the crowd went silent.
"We are all saddened by her loss, but will cherish the memory we have made with Shakiya. Members of her family are here tonight to share in this moment," the announcer said over the loud speaker.
A Reidsville high teachers assistant said Wilson will always hold a special place in her heart.
"That's what stands out for me, just the smile and the speaking. Every time she saw me she spoke and had a smile on her face," Allison Thomas said.
Wilsons family told WFMY News 2 they are leaning on faith for understanding.
"As a whole, we are spiritual, and we know that everything happens for a reason. He needed her more," paternal auntie Stephonya Williams said.
Williams said she also served as Wilson's track coach. She told us this season the team will compete in Wilson's honor.
"Track is something she developed a love for and everybody is trying to continue through her," Williams said.
She said nothing could have prepared the family for what happened Monday. After Shakiya collapsed during track warm-ups.
"It's not like she had any pre-existing health issues or anything like that. The fact that it was just so sudden. It's a shock to everybody because of the person that she was," Williams said.
She said Wilson was not your average teenage girl.
"She was a social light that liked to be around her friends. She was all the type to ride four wheelers and dirt bikes and not afraid to get dirty. She was that all around American girl," Williams said.
Williams said she's thankful to the Reidsville community for rallying around her family through this tragedy.
"We definitely appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. The school, The City of Reidsville, the whole Triad, we really do appreciate it," Williams said.
Arrangements for Shakiya Wilson:
PUBLIC VIEWING:
Friday, December 1, 2023
12 until 8 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, North Carolina.
FUNERAL SERVICES:
Saturday, December 2, 2023
2 p.m. at Smyrna Church of Christ, 1025 Mizpah Church Road, Reidsville, North Carolina. The family visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m.
INTERMENT:
Greenview Cemetery, Reidsville, North Carolina
CONDOLENCES: