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- I barely knew my grandma, but she left me $85,000 when she died. I was able to take 2 years off work and build my dream business. (businessinsider.com)
Local Woman Discovers Family Secret and Unexpected Inheritance After Grandmother’s Passing
Rasheda Williams always had a somewhat distant relationship with her paternal grandmother, Marguerite. Though present for major life events, Marguerite remained a private person, keeping Williams at arm’s length. This distance made the discovery following Marguerite’s death in 2015 all the more surprising.
Williams, who was 34 at the time, found her grandmother after being unable to reach her. Marguerite had left a cryptic note referencing a “key to everything,” along with a folder containing bank and insurance information.
Inside, Williams discovered $55,000, a shocking amount considering her grandmother’s modest lifestyle. Coupled with life insurance policies, the inheritance totaled $85,000.
This unexpected windfall allowed Williams to pursue her true passion. At the time, she worked in communications for a university but longed to focus on her side project, Empowered Flower Girl, an organization dedicated to addressing bullying in young people. With a carefully crafted plan, Williams left her job and used the inheritance to support herself for two years while she wrote a book for Empowered Flower Girl, began professional speaking engagements, and further developed the organization.
However, the most significant change wasn’t financial. While sorting through her grandmother’s papers, Williams unearthed a family secret: the existence of a step-aunt and extended family she never knew. Connecting with these newfound relatives brought a sense of completeness to Williams’ life.
Marguerite’s death, while a sad event, served as a catalyst for positive change in Williams’ life. The inheritance provided financial freedom, but the discovery of her extended family and the reminder of life’s brevity proved even more valuable. Williams now dedicates her time to the people and projects she cherishes, a legacy she attributes to her grandmother.