Nah'Quis Amir Williams

Nah’Quis Amir Williams, lovingly known as “Gentle Giant,” “Chef Boy R’ Quis,” “Nef,” and “Big Man,” transitioned peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Born on the Fourth of July in Albany, New York, to Nanesha Davis and Richard Williams, he came into the world like a firework—full of joy, brightness, and unforgettable presence.

He was dedicated at just seven months old at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, a moment that marked not just faith, but fierce love and deep hope for the life he’d live. Even his name held meaning: the letter “N” in sign language, paired with the motion for “happy.” He was our joy. And he lived that joy daily, with a smile that lit rooms and a heart that lifted everyone around him.

Nah’Quis received his education through the Guilderland City School District and graduated from Guilderland High School. He went on to study Culinary Arts at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education program. His hands weren’t just gifted, they were generous. Through volunteer work at the Albany County Nursing Home and Meals on Wheels via Living Resources, he gave comfort and care, one meal and one moment at a time.

He worked at Hannaford in Delmar for the past five years, a place that became more than a job. It was a community. It was pride. And it was family, too. Nah’Quis was beloved by coworkers and customers alike. His bright smile, helping hands, and deep kindness were unforgettable. He didn’t just show up, he made the space better.

He was recognized as Employee of the Month multiple times and received “The Power of You” award, one of Hannaford’s highest honors, nominated by customers, peers, and leadership for his kindness, work ethic, and heart. His story was featured in a Times Union article and led to a public celebration at the New York State Capitol during Disability Awareness Day. That day, the whole city got to see what we already knew: he was extraordinary.

Nah’Quis was serious about two things: his money and his baking. (He might hold on tight to his dollars, but yours? Fair game! LOL) His cakes were a Thanksgiving tradition and a love language all their own. His laugh had its own echo. His memory was uncanny, he was a human GPS, a theme park enthusiast, and a loyal travel buddy who adored being with his people.

He had favorite things and he loved them with his whole heart. Whether he was watching Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy, laughing at SpongeBob, Courage the Cowardly Dog, or Johnny Bravo, or enjoying Blue’s Clues and Eloise, his joy was full and contagious. He loved all of Tyler Perry’s movies, and Diary of a Mad Black Woman was his favorite. He loved riding elevators just for the fun of it and watching the lottery balls drop, especially the day and evening numbers. He was a Mario master on the Wii, and if you ever needed a friend to rewatch a show or just ride with you, Nah’Quis was down.

He moved through the world deaf and autistic, but more than anything, he moved with grace. Profoundly intuitive. Fiercely capable. He didn’t just live, he glowed. With his own rhythm. With pride. With freedom. To know Nah’Quis was to be seen, remembered, and loved in ways words can’t quite hold.

He is lovingly remembered by his mother, Nanesha Davis; his second mother, Catherine Nasser; his father, Lamar Bryant; and his biological father, Richard Williams. He leaves behind his beloved brother, Nah’Zhier Bryant, and sister, Nazariah White. Also mourning his passing are his Godmother, Melissa Turner (Ward); paternal grandmother, Eva A. Williams; and maternal grandparents, Willie and Sharon Woods.

He is cherished by a wide village of aunts, uncles — including Laquetta Sanders; Nicole and Angela Williams (of Delaware and Maryland); Shekia Thompson (Alex); Keisha Floyd (Raymond); Shanice Woods; Sharaya Floyd; Shakyra, Sunny, Imani Murray, Unique, Genesis Woods; Helen Turner; Cheryl and Paulette Woods; great-great aunt Thelma Wood; Julah and Dayquan Woods; Demitris Moses; David, Eric, and Nicholas Williams; great-uncles Tony and Levar Davis; and great-uncle Larry Cook.

Among those who carry his light forward are his cherished cousins — including Shaqueece, Ebony, Rayniah, Rayanne, Rayne, and Raymond, Jamol, Jamel, Jamar, Julah, Aryana, Zahlia, Zamarah, Jasaiyon, Stacy, Micah, Eiziyah — along with a host of other beloved family members whose love for Nah’Quis is everlasting.

He now joins the ancestors who welcomed him home: his beloved grandmother Tonia Davis, grandfather David Williams, great-grandmothers Frances Davis and Mary L. Fludd, great-great aunt Amy Helms, uncle Deontint Davis, great-uncle Charles Davis, cousins Mai’Everi and Tia, godfather Kenneth Floyd, and a dear friend, Caridad Cruz.

A public visitation will be held at St. John's Church of God in Christ, 74 4th Ave, Albany, NY 12202 on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 9:00am to 11:00am with a funeral service to begin at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow the service at Graceland Cemetery, 680 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209.

Nah’Quis lived a love story, one of laughter, strength, and radiant presence. He loved us wholeheartedly. And we will love him for the rest of our lives.