Oklahoma City Thunder’s Forward Jaylin Williams’s Made The Tattoo Of Cora Flowers On His Arm To Honor His Late Grandmother Cora Williams

Jaylin Williams’s grandmother, Cora Williams, did not have the opportunity to watch her grandson play live and in person during his freshman year at the University of Arkansas.

Jaylin Williams helped the Oklahoma City Thunder grab the 91-103 victory against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

He played 38 minutes, scored 20 points, and recorded 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He became the first Vietnamese descent player to win the NBA title.

Williams averaged 23.6 points per game in the series, capping off a special third season for the young star.

Host of the 30 Minutes of Hell podcast, Brandon Baker, took to his official Twitter handle and congratulated Jaylin Williams for winning the NBA title. He wrote,

Arkansas Activities Association also congratulated Jaylin and other team members by stating,

Jaylin Williams’ Grandmother, Cora Williams, Passed Away At The Age Of 75

Jaylin Michael Williams shared a close bond with his grandmother, Cora Williams, who attended almost every game to support and cheer him up.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she couldn’t attend Jaylin’s freshman season in person.

But determined not to miss the experience again, she made it to Bud Walton Arena on November 13, 2021, to watch Arkansas defeat Gardner-Webb.

Struggling with her health, she was carried to her seat by her son, Michael, yet still found the energy to cheer loudly for Jaylin, proudly declaring, “That’s my grandson!” every time he made a play.

In that game, Jaylin recorded 3 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Just days later, Cora was hospitalized due to serious health issues.

Tragically, Cora passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021, at the age of 75.

A public walk-through was held on Friday, November 26, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary, 611 N 9th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901.

The celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 111976 South 4780 Road, Roland, OK 74954, with a burial at Shady Grove Cemetery.

According to the reports, Jaylin followed through on a promise to get a tattoo in his grandmother’s honor, featuring four Cora flowers representing her children, her name, and her birthdate in Roman numerals.

Jaylin said he had it placed on his right forearm, a spot he sees every day as a reminder of his grandmother’s presence.

Since Cora’s passing, Jaylin has played with a renewed purpose, averaging a double-double and setting multiple career highs.

Before each game, he kissed his hand and pointed skyward, acknowledging her presence. During one of the interviews, Jaylin said,

Cora Williams Was Married To Eugene Williams For Over 57 Years

Born on Sunday, December 23, 1945, Cora Williams was raised by her parents, Cal and Equiller (Brown) Jones.

She received her elementary education from Washington Grade School in Moffett, Oklahoma, and Howard Elementary School in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Cora attended Lincoln High School, also in Fort Smith. She united with New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev.E.M. Smith, Sr.

Williams began her employment at several companies, including O.K. Foods Inc., Ramada Inn, and Sparks Regional Medical Center, for several years.

She tied the knot with Eugene Williams in 1964 and had four children. Sadly, their married life ended after 57 years following the tragic death of Cora.

Cora was very active in the Women’s Missionary Society, lifting her voice in praise with the Choir and being a doorkeeper (Usher) in the House of the Lord.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• Jaylin Williams’s mother, Linda Williams, was born in Saigon, South Vietnam, and moved to the United States in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. He is the first player of Vietnamese descent to play in the NBA.
• In October 2024, Williams suffered a right hamstring strain, which left him out for the remainder of the preseason. He returned to active play on December 23.
• Jaylin Michael Williams is in a relationship with Alanna Harris.