Providence Christian Girls Keep Memory of Beloved Coach Alive

More than two years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, Jonny Williamson passed away -- stricken with colon cancer.

The 32-year-old head girls soccer coach at Providence Christian Academy was loved and respected by many. To honor his memory, girls in the school's soccer program participate in the Lilburn Relay Rally.

They are "Team Williamson." The name is emblazoned on bright pink T-shirts.  It's the least -- they believe -- that they can do.

Back in 2010, the girls knew he was battling health issues. He already had told them about his battle with Crohn's disease.

"When he started getting sicker, he was pretty open about what was going on with him," said Allie Petmecky, 17, a senior at Providence Christian Academy. "And, when he was in the hospital we all knew about it."

Todd Henry, who is now the team's head coach, began to work with the girls more and more. Eventually, the girls came to understand the full weight of what their coach was dealing with.

"He told us what was going on, and not in the sense that we would get scared or anything," Allie said, "because he's a really strong man of faith."

"He was a good example for all of us," she added.

Allie Petmecky said she was a sophomore when Williamson died, and that her class was the last group to get to play for him. 

His death was devastating not just for them, but for the entire school community. His funeral overflowed with those who wanted to pay their respects.

"He made a big impact on our school," Allie said.

Cancer, she added, affects so many people. She was in good spirits this past Friday at the Lilburn Relay Rally. It helped to know many care about awareness.

"It's really awesome to know that all these people are supporting it," she said. "It really is a big deal."

See also:

• Mom: 'We are Actively Fighting' Cancer (Part 1)
• In Pictures: 2013 Lilburn Relay Rally

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