Ms. Shalanda Williams-Golden

WILLIAMS-GOLDEN, Ms. Shalanda - Age 45, passed away Friday, April 1, 2016 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1035 W Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Patrick Sanders, Host Pastor, Pastor Derrick Aldridge, officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Saturday. Ms. Williams-Golden will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Omega Omega Service will be held from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Ms. Shalanda Mertale Williams-Golden was born November 5, 1970 in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of Linda Williams-Raulston. She accepted Christ as her savior at an early age and was baptized at Foss Avenue Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Avery Aldridge, Sr. Later, she became a member of Second Chance Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Derrick Aldridge. Shalanda was a dedicated member, who volunteered wherever she was needed. She worked with the church youth group and was on the Usher Board. Shalanda attended Flint Community School System, graduating from Flint Northern High School, “Class of ‘88.” She furthered her education, earning her degree in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. In December 1992, upon the completion of her degree, Shalanda fulfilled her passion to help others by working as a Social Worker at Mott’s Children’s Health Center and later with the State of Michigan. In July 1995, she married her college sweetheart, Abdul Golden and to this union, Brooklyn Golden was born. Shalanda took great pride in raising and spending quality time with her daughter, who was her greatest joy. She was very proud of Brooklyn’s accomplishments. Shalanda's infectious spirit, laughter, and beautiful smile impacted all who came in contact with her. Her giving and loving heart was a reflection of the outpouring of the love she received in return. She found such joy in painting, shopping at thrift stores for antiques and hanging with her beloved “Divas”. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Shalanda purchased what she affectionately referred to as her “Rehab House” to aid in her rehabilitation process. As she was going through her treatments, she took small steps in rehabilitating her house, which was beautiful on the outside, but just a shell on the inside. On April 13, 2014, Shalanda was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Flint Alumnae Chapter). She was a proud and dedicated member, affectionately given the name Braveheart”, which in fact suited her well. Shalanda became an advocate and spokeswoman for Breast Cancer Awareness & Early Detection, making regular visits to senior citizen centers, talking with the seniors about getting regular mammograms. She launched her own non-profit organization, “Women of Color Breast Cancer Outreach”, and radio talk show, “Speak About it”, on 1420AM. She used the station as a platform to share her survivor’s story. Shalanda made it her mission to spread the word about breast cancer awareness. Ms. Shalanda Mertale Williams-Golden leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved daughter, Brooklyn C. Golden; loving parents, Linda Williams-Raulston and Ronald E. Raulston; sister, ShaRonda Raulston; cherished niece, Erin Raulston; nephews, Jaylin and Justin Golden; grandmother, Charity Williams; 2 aunts, Virginia (John) Beckem and Josephine Union; 3 uncles, H. Jean (Anita), Kenneth (Joan) and Anthony Williams; former sister-in-law, LaShanda Golden; special cousins, Tamitha Taylor and Jason Williams; her loving god-children and a host of other family and friends including her childhood friends, Felicia Goines, Kimberly Wilson-Mears, Crystal Miles-Alexander and her Sorority Sisters. Ms. Williams-Golden was preceded in death by her grandfather, Hercy Williams; and aunt, Lillian Knight.

Ms. Shalanda Williams-Golden

November 5, 1970 - April 1, 2016