Terrence Lorenzo Williams was born on January 31, 1980, to Yvonne Williams Best and Grafton Cohen in Petersburg, Virginia. From the age of four, he was lovingly raised by his father, Edgar Keith Best. Terrence attended various schools across the Petersburg and Richmond Public School Districts.

He later relocated to Rochester, New York, where he met Tiffany Brooks. Through their union, they blessed the world with their daughter, Tianna Yvonne Brooks. Over the years, Terrence worked hard to obtain his GED and actively pursued his faith in the Lord to guide him toward his destiny. In April 2024, Terrence returned to Petersburg to reconnect deeply with his family and friends.

Terrence loved his job as a cook and was incredibly committed to his craft. He was a man of many talents and passions, finding great joy in drawing, writing poetry, researching the law, and helping others understand their legal rights. Above all, Terrence was a true friend to everyone he met.

Terrence unexpectedly departed this life on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jeanette Williams Franklin (Hiawatha); and his uncle, Hiawatha Franklin, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents, Yvonne and Edgar Best of Petersburg, VA;  his father, Grafton Cohen of Marietta, GA; his daughter, Tianna Yvonne Brooks; his grandson, Tyler Tyson Moody; his sister, Donna Hodge Manengu (Austin), of Rochester, NY; one devoted cousin, LeJuan Taylor; one special nephew, Frederick Young, Jr.; one lifelong friend, Damariole Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Terrence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Rayaltor Powell, eulogist.

Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6110122?fl=so&fe=fs