Kenute was destined for greatness - Teen killed for his cell phone had a big heart

Tears flowed heavily yesterday as family, friends and loved ones paid their final respects to Kenute Williams Jr, the St Andrew teen who was killed last month over his cell phone and a $1,000 while he was travelling to school.

Pastor Adrian Johnson, in delivering the sermon, encouraged the grieving family of the former 10th grade student at Papine High School to continue to hold strong to their faith in God as they seek to overcome heartbreak. But inside the walls of the Andrews Memorial Church, where the funeral was held, there was little evidence to suggest that his words were creating an impact. This extra special boy, according to his family, teachers and friends, epitomised grace, peace and wisdom throughout his life and will always be remembered as a quiet, unassuming child with the biggest heart. According to everyone who knew him, young Kenute was special and destined for greatness. A lover of the arts, the soft-spoken teen had a knack for leaving an imprint on whoever he encountered. His mother, Carroline Robinson-Williams, was inconsolable. The thought of not seeing her only child again was too much to bear. Throughout the hour-long service her head rested on the shoulder of her husband, Kenute Sr, who was also devastated.

The death of Kenute Jr had touched everyone. Inspector Tanecia Johnson, of the St Andrew Central Police Community Safety and Security Branch, condemned the actions of the teen's killers and vowed that the police will do everything to bring the family justice. Her sentiments were echoed by Papine High's principal Linval Christie. The senior educator also made an impassioned plea for more to be done in protecting Jamaican children who travel to and from school on their own.

In her acknowledgement speech, Suzette Jackson-Ivey, one of Kenute's favourite cousins, remembered and applauded the efforts of Roger Marshall, the man who came to the teen's aid when he laid helpless along Liguanea Avenue after he was shot. For 30 seconds the audience applauded Marshall for his bravery, but the Good Samaritan maintains that he felt dejected when remembering the bitter last few seconds he shared with the promising young man.

Despite the pouring rain, a large convoy of mourners braved the weather so they could witness young Kenute being lowered into the Earth at Meadowrest Memorial Park in St Catherine.