Mr. Shun "Best Kept" R. Williams

In Loving Memory of Shun "Best Kept" With heavy hearts, we honor and celebrate a loving son, a passionate father, a nephew, a cousin and musical genius, Shuntel Rapheal Williams “Best Kept". At the young age of 41, Monday, April 1, 2024, Shun's untimely passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his loved ones, his hometown, and the global music community. Shuntel Raphael Williams (Shun) was born in Peoria, on November 20,1982, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center to Felicia Elise McClain and Larry Williams (Doby). He came into this world with a bright smile and an even brighter future. Shun accepted the Lord as his Savior at the age of 12 at Faith Missionary Full Gospel Church and was raised in a God-fearing home. Praying with his family, friends and even coworkers, was a lifestyle for him. When Shun wasn't fully immersed in his creative pursuits, traveling, or gracing stages at events like the Michigan Music Fest and Peoria Riverfront Fest, he could be found working as a jovial and dedicated employee at Little Caesars Pizza. He had a knack for bringing laughter and smiles to everyone he encountered. This role allowed him to pursue his passions, for which he was deeply grateful. Shun's musical journey began at a young age, deeply rooted in his upbringing in the church. He admired the rhymes crafted by his first cousin, Clifton Williams (known as Crazy- C), which ignited his own passion for music. Throughout his life, he collaborated and recorded with numerous talented artists, including his lifelong best friend, Greg Flowers (known as Passport Louis). One of his career highlights was recording at Grand Hustle Studios (T.I. Studios in Atlanta, GA) and recording with the global likes of King Louis. Williams’s classic album, “Lisa’s Youngest Boy,” garnered widespread acclaim and headlined at SXSW in Austin, Texas. Known for his collaborations and tours with underground artists like King Louie, Mickey Factz, the Founder of Pendulum Inc., and No Fatigue, Williams had recently released one of his first solo songs. He was also a finalist in the Royalty of the Mic in 2023, demonstrating his prowess as an independent artist. For the last 10 years of his life, he shared beautiful memories with the love of his life, his best friend, adventure partner, fiancée Sharece Marie Yearian, and together they shared and raised two children Champion Emory-Maddox Williams and De’Kijia Vonece. Shun's love for his family was evident in everything he did, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He was a loving and devoted father to Jayshun Sincere, Janya Anarie Angie, Jaliyah Elise Brenaisa, and Justice Tahiry (Mother Robyn Latrice) and enjoyed traveling and being their "personal in-house comedian". He is survived by his Mother Felicia Elise McClain (Peoria, IL), two sisters Tiffany and Angela Williams, a host of Aunts, Uncles and Cousins from the legacy of the Cannons, Faulkners, McClains, and Williams. He is preceded in death by his father, Larry Williams (Doby), his brother, Shadrone McClain, his Aunt Earnestine Williams, who played a pivotal role in his upbringing, and his loving grandparents Ernest and Nellie Corrine McClain and Excenia Woods Cannon and Willie Williams. Shun shared a unique bond with his first cousins who are all the same age for a few weeks every year, Christian Jon Evans, and Timothy Jonathon Hugan, inseparable. Shun was more than just a talented musician and rapper; he was a force of nature, pouring his heart and soul into his craft and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His lyrics were poetry, his beats were symphonies, and his performances were electrifying, captivating audiences worldwide. Despite his passing, his musical legacy lives on through unreleased content and his influence on younger musicians in Peoria and beyond. As we mourn the loss of Shun "Best Kept," let us also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the profound impact he had on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may be gone, his infectious smile, laugh, and music will continue to inspire and uplift us, reminding us of the beauty and power of the human spirit. A Celebration of Life service for Shun will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, at New Cornerstone Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one hour prior at 9:00 a.m. Pastor Mark McConnell will host, and Bishop Mark Du Bois will present the eulogy. Arrangements were prepared especially for the “Williams, McClain, Alexander, Faulkner” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Live streaming can be viewed by clicking the link for TW Parks Colonial Chapel Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/twparkscolonialchapel. Shun will be laid to rest at Swan Lake Cemetery His gift truly made room for him and brought him before great men (Proverbs 18:16). He NOW STANDS BEFORE THE GREATEST! Forever in our hearts, Shun "Best Kept".

Mr. Shun "Best Kept" R. Williams

November 20, 1982 - April 1, 2024