Hundreds crowd church to remember

CHARLESTON - The undersized white casket, ringed by a baby blue stripe, rested on a bed of flowers. Nearby was a large photo- graph of 2-year-old Rodricus Williams with a happy grin.

"If there is a truth we can agree on," the Rev. Dr. William Swinton said inside Ebenezer AME Church, "it is the innocence of little children."

Hundreds gathered Tuesday to say goodbye to little Rodricus, the outgoing, friendly child who, authorities say, died of neglect last month while in his father's care.

Roger "Tony" Williams, 29, reportedly refused to get medical care for his son after the boy's health failed sometime around June 7 in Summerville. He is one of two people charged in the death, accused of homicide by child abuse.

During the child's one-hour funeral service, none of the circumstances surrounding the boy's tragic death were discussed. Instead, mourners used the day to remember Rodricus as a shining light who liked to play with cars and trucks, and often spoke with an inquisitive vocabulary far above that of the average 2-year-old.

"The pain is overwhelming," said service attendee Helen Freeman of Calvary Episcopal Day School on Line Street, where Rodricus attended classes. "This child was especially such a happy child," she added. "One of the teachers nicknamed him 'Smiley.' "

Rodricus' casket entered the church on Nassau Street escorted by four Citadel cadets. It was placed at the front of the congregation while a choir sang numerous hymns dedicated to children and heaven. The various speakers then asked the 300 or more people assembled to put their trust in God for the explanation as to why an innocent young life was taken away so abruptly.

"May you find comfort in that this little soul found comfort in the one who gave it," Swinton said.

The circumstances surrounding Rodricus' death unfolded last week after Williams' girlfriend, Grace Trotman, told authorities that she had lost track of the boy during a visit to The Battery. A massive 12-hour search by police, fire and Coast Guard personnel ensued but was called off as Trotman's claim was proven to be a hoax.

Hours later, the case took a fatal turn when police say they learned the child had died, and that Williams and Trotman had dumped him behind an abandoned house in Bowman in a garbage can filled with 400 pounds of cement. The pair are now being held without bail in the Berkeley County jail.

Of the various speakers, Louis Owens, an assistant class leader at Ebenezer AME, told the audience to remember that while Rodricus had been taken away young, he traveled "in the arms of the angels."

"Sleep now, little one, and we will see you in the morning," Owens said, standing a few feet from the child's casket. "Good night sweet prince, good night."

The child's mother, Sheneka Washington, was one of several family members who had to be escorted out of the church in grief as the service closed.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551 or skropf@postandcourier.com.