Memorial for family Ret BPD Ofc Shawn Williams Sr

Hi, my name is Amber. And I am fundraising for, Kate (my coworker and friend), and her 2 daughters.

You see, on the evening of December 14th, my friend Kate got the most shocking news of her life. A call from the hospital notifying her of her husband's passing. A devastating reality with Christmas riding just on her coat tails. Little did she know though, just how much her whole world would be turned upside down in that very instant. Going from a two income home to now being the sole provider for her two girls (ages 5 years and 20 months). A single mom, working full time at a brand new job, with limited support.

Shawn, her husband, had dedicated 27 years to the Baltimore City Police as a patrol officer. Unfortunately, his life spent as a servant leader to his community, would not be able to aide in any assistance to his family however. Sadly, policies and procedures would not permit it.

Let me explain a few technicalities. Though madly in love, Kate and Shawn decided not to get married until further into their life's journey. They had only been married for 4 years and 7 months. In order to qualify for 'Survivor Benefits,' the rules state that you must be married for 5 years. And because Shawn contributed to his pension thru the department, for 27 years, and not through social security, consequentially this leaves no benefits for his children from social security.

Lastly, as I stated earlier, Kate had just started a brand new job. After YEARS of being a GM for Aldi's, Kate and Shawn decided it would be best for their family if she was able to get a job with more flexible hours and less demands in order to establish a better 'work life balance' and family life. And as with any new job, Kate signed up for her benefits, health care, life insurance policy, etc... but here's the kicker. According to policy, Kate had only been employed for 81 days with her new employer which made her ineligible to collect on the life insurance as she needed to be employed for 90 days. A difference of just 9 days. Truly a heart wrenching situation. But policies and rules are put in place to help protect people. To keep people safe. To serve the greater good. And to be honest... Kate's not upset with the policies or the system. Not even a little. But let me just say this:

Help...

Protect...

Serve...

These are all values that Shawn believed in and devoted his life's work too.

Kate is an independent, loyal, hard working, and strong woman. An all around genuinely good person who's just been dealt a difficult hand. She's a loving mother who just wants to be able to do right by her children and be able to protect and provide for them. And she needs your help! Any contributions made to the Williams Family will be put directly towards the children's needs.