Zakiya Shani Williams-Slater

The service will be livestreamed.  This link will go live 5 to 10 minutes prior to the

funeral service

Live Stream link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF3Bk_heBuiMErAWRfv-1nQ/live

Zakiya Shani Williams-Slater was born to Carol L. Davis and Charles L. Williams of Chicago, Illinois.

Zakiya, better known as “Punkin”, grew up alongside her younger sibling Jamila with her mother and grandparents on the south side of Chicago. Zakiya was educated in the Catholic School system and developed her intellect as well as wisdom beyond her years.

Zakiya met her husband Victor, often called “Pep”, in her early teens. Spending well over 25 years together, four handsome boys and one beautiful girl was born. The Slater family moved from Illinois to Minnesota in 2006 and a final move to Indiana in 2014. Zakiya was a proud grandmother or “ma moo” as her grandson referred to her as. The joy her newest grandson brought her was just as immense as the first. Throughout the years Zakiya worked in the customer service and billingm field. As she always put her best foot forward, Zakiya was soon promoted to manager at a local optometrist office where she worked. During these times, she developed meaningful relationships and bonds with many people. She was always there for any friend or colleague in need.

Zakiya was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother who “ruled with an iron fist”. She was very vocal and strong willed. Zakiya was an amazing matriarch that inspired a strong family unit, always sticking together. She had sound advice for anyone who asked. Her heart was always open to love.

Zakiya’s mother Carol and grandparents Clarence and Willa preceded her in death.

Her loving and devoted family surrounded her during her transition at home. She leaves to continue her memory and legacy an amazing husband Victor Slater, wonderful sons Tremell, Tyree, Victor Jr., Vincent, and her daughter Laela. Her grandsons Vincent Jr., baby Zy’Aire (Tremell), and soon to be born Azael (Vincent). Also carrying on Zakiya’s memories are her dedicated and adoring little sister Jamila, her only niece Ashontis and nephew Dante, her only Aunt Lisa, Uncle Clarence and six caring cousins, a loving father Charles and stepmother Judith. As well as a host of other family and friends treasured her life. Zakiya impacted the lives of the entire Davis, Williams and Slater families, along with countless other friends. The Slater family wishes to thank everyone for their calls, kind words, visits, cards, and especially needed prayers.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.