Tikia Williams

Tikia Williams was born in Tennessee, and no matter where life has taken her, Tennessee has always been home. She spent part of her childhood in California and later returned to Knoxville as a teenager. Over the years she has lived in Georgia as well, but she always found her way back to Tennessee, saying, “This is where my family is.” 

Family is at the center of everything for Tikia. She is the mother of five children, all of whom live in Knoxville, and the grandmother of nine. Four of her grandchildren have been in her care since March 2024, a responsibility she embraced without hesitation. She describes herself as hardworking and family-oriented, and her life reflects that truth every day. Alongside caring for her grandchildren, she works as an order picker at Cardinal Health, balancing long shifts with the demands of raising young children again. 

When her grandchildren came to live with her, Tikia immediately tried to apply for TennCare Medicaid to ensure they and she had the support they needed. Despite her efforts, she was not successful on her own. In the summer of 2025, the Tennessee Justice Center applied on her behalf, and this time, she was approved for TennCare as a caretaker relative. 

This approval was peace of mind for Tikia. She has high blood pressure, and staying healthy is essential not only for herself but for the grandchildren who depend on her. “My grandchildren need me,” she says. “I need to be here for them and make sure that I am healthy.” 

Her family is close-knit, celebrating holidays together and making time for simple joys like taking all the kids to the park. For Tikia, the most rewarding part of being a caregiver is knowing her grandchildren are safe, healthy, and surrounded by family: “I love the fact that we are such a close family,” she says. She cherishes the bonding time, the laughter, and the everyday moments that make their home feel full.

The Tennessee Justice Center is privileged to honor Ms. Tikia Williams as a 2026 Grandmother of the Year recipient.  

Photo by Wild Blossom Photography

Published in 2026