BARRYVILLE — Kia Williams’ final weeks began as a short visit to Ghana to be with her Ghanaian partner. However, visa issues made her plans to return to her home in Barryville more difficult. 

As the days turned into weeks, Williams found out she was pregnant with twins, and the news of twins brought happiness to the family, who had never experienced twins before.

Tragically, around 10 weeks into her pregnancy, Williams passed away. 

According to her sisters, Quiyanna Terry and Miyanna Albritton, Williams began experiencing health issues, including shortness of breath. 

Concerned for her well-being, Terry urged her sister to seek medical attention. Williams visited a doctor who, regrettably, did not conduct thorough tests or blood work, according to Terry. 

“They didn’t do any other testing other than asking her questions, and she described the symptoms; she described what was going on, and they gave her Tylenol and some type of pill form medication,” said Terry.

She was sent home with medication.

Just hours before the tragedy struck, Williams spoke to Terry sounding optimistic and seemingly on the road to recovery. However, her husband later called Terry through Instagram from the emergency room stating their sister was ill. 

Terry was able to witness her sister in the ER through Instagram. 

During a WhatsApp group call, Williams’s husband revealed the news of her passing. 

The preliminary list of causes of her death encompasses pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and sepsis, which also resulted in the devastating loss of the twins, according to Terry.

Terry says that while awaiting the autopsy report, the family seeks to understand the events surrounding Williams’s passing. 

They have communicated with the United States Embassy, which Terry mentioned has provided reassurance that the practices followed by Ghana align with their cultural norms.

In addition, Terry encountered difficulties in bringing Williams’s six-year-old son, Sai, back to the United States. However, the good news is that Sai has returned safely and is reunited with family members.

Back in California, Terry tries to navigate the complexities of dealing with Ghana’s procedures while mourning the loss of her sister. 

Describing Williams, the sisters emphasized her warm and outgoing nature; she would approach people with a friendly greeting, making them feel instantly welcomed into her life, said her sisters. 

Terry says that Williams lived fearlessly, with a willingness to be a pillar of support for others. Her distinctive charm and authenticity affected attracting people to her, whether through her culinary talents, catering services, or engaging conversations.

Terry, who is nine years older, said her sister inspired her and helped her obtain her first passport, and together they embarked on their first trip to Mexico. 

Williams’s zest for life was undeniable as she explored different countries and cultures.

“My sister is an amazing cook,” said Terry. “Kia was like a unicorn and a butterfly meshed into one. She was so organically herself but unique, and everyone always wanted to be around her.”

Terry was overwhelmed with the support that she and her family have received from the community and those from the Sullivan County Mamas. This online community played a significant role in Williams’s life. 

“They dropped everything to help support me and my sister,” said Terry. “I’m forever like from the bottom of all of our hearts like my sisters, my entire family like we are just so grateful for them.”

This online group aims to connect mothers in the rural Sullivan County area and beyond, offering support and fostering diversity.  

Jess Lewis, one of the founders of Sullivan County Mamas, said that Williams advocated for promoting diversity in the community and supporting black-owned businesses.

Lewis said Williams’s inspiring journey as an international traveler with her young child resonated with mothers worldwide. 

Sullivan County Mamas provides a sense of belonging and a space for mothers to share their challenges, promote their businesses and seek connections, said Lewis. 

The community grew rapidly, providing a platform for takeovers by different moms, and Williams was a large part of it.

Lewis said the group became a lifeline for many mothers in the region, combating isolation while fostering a supportive place for their families. Williams’s involvement is what Lewis felt the community needed. 

Terry initially hesitated to create a GoFundMe page. Still, she felt driven to do so when she learned about the expenses involved in bringing her sister home and the high fees demanded by Ghana to process the necessary paperwork. She believed that her sister would want her to take this step.

The family’s immediate goal is to hold a peaceful memorial once Williams’s remains are returned and truly find out what happened to their loved one and engage with government officials to seek answers.

Terry said, “This experience has been extremely difficult, but it’s been less difficult because of the amount of support that we’ve received.” 

Kia’s GoFundMe page: www.gofund.me/52971232.