The streets of Durant were filled with runners and walkers Saturday morning as the first memorial run for Durant local Meranda Williams began.
The 5k run and 2 mile walk began and ended at the First Baptist Church parking lot on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Beech Street.
Williams died in a car accident at age 18 on Oct. 8, 2012. She was the youngest of three children. Her older brother and sister both serve in the U.S. Army.
Williams was two weeks away from leaving home for the U.S. Navy. As a student at Durant High School, Williams participated in HOSA and high school band.
All proceeds from the event will go into scholarship funds for the two groups. Both groups, along with community members, participated in the run and walk Saturday morning.
Her older brother David led the 5k run while her sister Misty led the 2-mile walk. The girl’s parents, Patty and David Williams, said the event was the best way to honor their daughter.
They chose HOSA and the Durant High School Band because of their daughter’s involvement with the groups. “They shaped her life,” said mother Patty Williams.
Misty Williams said she was happy when her parents told her about the event. “Our sister liked running. She ran every day,” said Misty.
Her brother David added that the run was a good way to honor Williams, who was very involved in the community. He said that his sister liked to volunteer with such organizations as Families Feeding Families.
“She loved the community and just tried to be a part of it,” said David.
The family thanked the Durant Highs School Band, HOSA and all of the volunteers and sponsors for their support.














