Atlanta Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Wednesday, April 4, 2001
Reflections for Investigator Sherry Elizabeth Lyons-Williams
I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF MEETING SHERRY WHILE WE PLAYED SOFEBALL AT SOUTHSIDE PARK EVERY MONDAY NIGHT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. SHE WAS ONE HELL OF A BALLER. SHE IS ALSO ONE HELL OF AN OFFICER! SHERRY YOU WILL BE MISSED--GOD BLESS SHERRY AND HER FAMILY.
OFFICER PAT DOGAN
MARTA POLICE DEPT.
Sergeant Lyons-Williams honorably served with the U.S. Army Reserve as a member of the 213th Legal Services Organization in addition to her service to the Atlanta Police Department. She was dedicated to serving her community and her nation. Her work ethic was unparalleled and she exuded confidence and a can-do spirit. I had the privilege of serving as her First Sergeant for the last five years. Her uncanny ability to sense what was needed and to see that it was done with a smile brought joy to each tour of duty. If things weren't quite right, the only frustrating word she would utter was "snap" and on with the task she went. She was a leader, a professional, and motivator. She led by example. She would never shy away from a challenge, nor would she let you. She will be missed and remembered as one of the few very special people that lived to make a difference. That she did.
Master Sergeant Mary P. Campbell
U.S. Army Reseves JAG Corps
GOD'S BOXES OF LOVE
I HAVE IN MY HAND'S TWO BOXES WHICH GOD GAVE ME TO HOLD
HE SAID,"PUT ALL YOUR SORROW'S IN THE BLACK,
AND ALL YOUR JOYS IN THE GOLD."
I HEEDED HIS WORD'S AND IN THE TWO BOXES
BOTH MY JOYS AND SORROWS I STORE.
BUT THROUGH THE GOLD BECAME HEAVIER EACH DAY,
THE BLACK WAS AS LIGHT AS BEFORE.
WITH CURISOITY, I OPENED THE BLACK,
I WANTED TO KNOW WHY
AND I SAW IN THE BASE OF THE BOX
A HOLE WHICH MY SORROWS HAD FALLEN OUT BY,
I SHOWED THE HOLE TO GOD
AND MUSED ALOUD
"I WONDER WERE ALL MY SORROWS COULD BE?"
HE RESPONED WITH A SMILE
MY DEAR CHILD, THERE ALL HERE WITH ME.
I ASKED,"GOD, WHY GIVE ME THE BOXES,
WHY THE GOLD AND THE BLACK WITH THE HOLE."
"MY CHILD, THE GOLD IS FOR YOU TO COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS,
THE BLACK IS FOR YOU TO LET GO."
TO THE FAMILY OF INVESTIGATOR SHERRY LYONS-WILLIAMS. THIS POEM WAS GIVEN TO ME DURING MY TIME OF GRIEF. I WOULD LIKE TO PASS IT ON TO YOU DURING YOU TIME OF GRIEF. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU.
Shanita L. Wright
Wright Inc.
To the family of the late Sherry Lyons-Williams
God has called you home He choose you as an Angel
now with your new job you can keep all the Police
safe and protect them in time of need He choose you because he knew you were the best person for the job with all your sharpe skills He knows that you will do the job well may God bless your family in this time of need thanks for a job well done. Good Night.
Marcus Williams
Griffin, Ga
I have be a police officer for 21years. And it always breaks my heart ever time I hear of a officer has been killed.My prays go out to Inv.Sherry Lyons-Williams famly and her fellow officers.I know how they feel I lose one of close friends in the line of duty.
Sgt.Richard McCullar
Clanton Police Dept , Al
Today as I read the Officer Down Memorials hoping not to find another name added to the list my heart was sadden, for tears have filled my eyes for the life of a fellow officers has once again been removed from our presence. To the family of Investigator Lyons-Williams and the Atlanta Police Department,although Sherry want be reporting for her duty with the Atlanta PD she has a permanant shift in heaven. God has added another Investigator to he heavenly roll of Police Officers. Investigator Lyons-Williams may not be with us physically but if you can remember her smile, her laughter, and how it was to just talk to her;Investigator Lyon-Williams is not gone. With each memory she lives forever. May God bless and keep you all.
Detective Robert L Williams, Jr.
Rocky Mount Police Dept. Rocky Mount, NC
GOD SPEED TO SHERRY'S FAMILY. AFTER HEARING HER HUSBAND SPEAK ON TV ABOUT HER DEATH I BELIEVE HE KNEW SHE WAS WHERE SHE WANTED TO BE. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO COMFORT HER FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FOLLOW OFFICERS. BY GIVING HER LIFE SHE HAS SAVED OTHERS. SHE DESERVES THE UPMOST TRIBUTE.
SGT. R. MAPES/RETIRED
COBB CO SO
We greive the lost of our sister and deeply by her absence, knowing that her spirit remains here is our comfort zone.
Beverly J. Ross and Deba Whitaker, Direc
Georgia Federation of Democratic Women
she gave her life to serve and protect others.I'm deeply sorry for everyones pain.Investigator Lyons-Williams had to be one of the bravest females in her line of duty;courages as well as beautiful I can only imagine her grace and warm smile everyone says she had.I thank God for a warm and caring spirit.
a concern citizen
Anonymous
MY WIFE AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO THE LYONS-WILLIAMS FAMILY. AS A MARINE AND FUTURE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, AGAIN I SAY "MAY GOD BLESS YOU"...
ELLIOTT AND MARTHA JONES
MACON, GA.
STAFF SERGEANT E. J. JONES
U.S. MARINE CORPS
My husband is a police officer.My heart skips a beat everytime i hear a officer was killed in the line of duty.Sherri i don't know you,but i feel like i have to say thankyou so much,you are a inspiration to me and my husband.God bless you and your family.
Tammie Triplett
On behalf of all the Officers of the Cobb County Police Department I wish to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Detective Sherry Lyons-Williams. To all the Officers of the Atlanta Police Department and in particular the members of the Narcotics Division, each of you will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Your Department has been so helpful to us in our times of need.
God Bless each of you.
Lieutenant Kevin J. Flynn
Cobb County Police Department -Precinct III
My heart goes out to the family of the fallen officer. Atlanta is a better city because of her heroic efforts.
Anonymous
I want to express my sympathy to the family of Officer Williams. I didn't know her but I went to school with her sister (Ruby) at Pike County High School. My heart goes out to the family. Remember that God can and will heal all wounds. (Shirley Hines Hood)
Anonymous
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL THE FAMILY...AND ESPECIALLY TO THE
MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE.GOD BLESS ONE AND ALL ..KEEP THE
FAITH AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.YOU HAVE MY UTMOST RESPECT.
SINCERELY.........
BETTIE WILLIS
To the family of Investigator Sherry Lyons-Williams. It saddens my heart to hear of yet another officer that has fallen. I didn't know her but I can truly say that, "yes she was special". It takes a special person to use their life as a shield for someone that they don't even know. As a police officer myself, I know the dangers that we all must face at one time or another and that is why our shield comes from a much higher source and is one that will always be there when we need him. This soldier has now joined the angels of a much more powerful army and will keep constant watch over us. My prayers are with you always....
Ofc. Monika Singleton
Mobile Police Department
To the famliy and friends i am so sorry about yourlove one.I know how
it feels to loose someone,i was a good friend to sheriff elect Derin Brown, He was a person you can go and talk to about your probloms. I"v lost a love one to Voilence,
to the family i know you are
griving just be strong and carry on
and keep God, first in your life.Let Ms.Williams get her rest with the lord she is ok she"s Just sleeping with the lord.
Mr.William Angels are wacth you and your famliy don"t worry just be happy. I"ll be praying for you and your famliy.God bless all Jesus loves you.
Brian Ware
My sympathy and condolences to the Atlanta Police Department, and the family of Inv. Lyons-Williams on the loss of another soldier for peace.
Lt. S.I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department
My prayers go out to the Lyons and Williams family. It is always hard to deal with the death of a loved one, just remember that Investigator Lyons-Williams gave her life so that ours could be alittle better.
Officer T. Hawkins
Union City,GA
To the Williams family and the husband of Sherry Lyons-Williams I send my condolences to you and to let you know I will have you in my prayers everyday so that God may watch over you and your famlily, Please do not grieve for she is in a better place watching below to make sure all of you are okay.I have been watching the news everyday to keep up with the story and was sadden to hear about your loss and all of the Police Officer's death who have been killed in the line of duty. I hope our community can come together one day and stop all of the violence with each other and appreciate the people who are trying to protect us and keep us safe on the streets of Atlanta. May God Bless your family and keep you safe.
Lydia Dezmal
None
THE JORDAN FAMILY OF DECATUR, GA. WILL LIKE TO EXPRESS OUR SORROW FOR YOUR LOST OF A LOVE ONE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND THE ENTIRE WILLIAMS FAMILY ON SUCH A TRAGIC LOSS.
FIREFIGHTER F.J. JORDAN
ATLANTA FIRE DEPARTMENT
MADE THE LORD BE WITH YOU ALL IN YOUR TIME OF DEEP LOST. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THIS IN THE MEMORY OF OUR FALLEN SISTER, INVESTIGATOR SHERRY LYONS-WILLIAM:
The Police Officers 23rd Psalm...The lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, His comforting hand reduces fear to naught, He makes me walk through streets of crime, but He gives me courage and peace of mind. He leads by still waters in the path I trod, and He says in Romans I'm a "Minister of God". He leads in righteousness as He restores my soul, for His name's sake, He keeps me whole. When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door, I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more. For thou art with me every step of the way, as thy rod and staff protect me each day. He prepares a table, especially for me, as I walk daily among life's enemies. He gives me authority to uphold the law, and He anoints my postion in the midst of it all. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, each day of my life through eternity. As I long to hear Him say, Well done...", When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun............... Author Unknown
SGT. JACKIE TAYLOR-ROBERTS
LOUISVILLE DIVISION OF POLICE
SHE WAS A VERY BEAUTIFUL WOMAN I HURT DEEPLY THAT DOING HER JOB OF KEEPING OUR STREETS SAFE HAD TO END HER LIFE WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT WE HAVE PEOPLE LIKE HER THAT CARE ENOUGH TO RISK THEIR LIFES TO KEEP OUR KIDS AND OUR LIVES SAFE TO HER FAMILY I AND MY KIDS REALLY APPRECIATE HER AND THE OTHER POLICE FOR CARING ENOUGH TO KEEP US SAFE AND TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING I JUST HATE SHE HAD TO DIE FOR US I AM A MOTHER OF THREE AND I REALLY DO THANK THE OFFICERS FOR KEEPING AND DOING A GREAT JOB IN MAKING OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE WHEN I HEARD AND SEEN THIS ON THE NEWS I CRIED AND STILL CRY WHEN I HEAR THAT SHE DID THIS FOR US.SHE WAS A BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL HAPPY GO LUCKY WOMAN SHE IS WHAT I CALL A HERO SHE DIED FOR US SHE HAD A LONG LIFE AHEAD OF HER AND THESE DRUG DEALERS WHO ARE KILLING OUR KIDS HAD TO END IT BECAUSE HE DIDNT CARE WHO GOT HURT ONE QUESTION I HAVE IS WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE TO HURT PEOPLE DRUGS AND GUNS AND VIOLENCE DOES NOT MIX ME AND MY FAMILY PRAY EVERY DAY THAT GUNS AND DRUGS VIOLENCE WOULD JUST DISAPPEARMAY GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND KEEP THEM SAFE AND REMEMBER SHE IS A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL WHO IS LOOKING DOWN AND KEEPING US SAFE AT THE GOLDEN GATES MRS SHERRY YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO IN OUR BOOK THANKS FOR ALL YOU AND YOUR TEAM DO LOVE ALWAYS RAMEY FAMILY
DONNA RAMEY
Although I never knew Investigator Lyons-Williams, I know why she went to work every day. I am certain, from reading all of these reflections, that she left a mark in this world and that she will pave the way for the rest of us in the next. We at the International Association of Women Police salute Investigator Sherry Lyons-Williams for her dedication to a job that few are called upon to do. To her family, friends and co-workers, we send our heartfelt sympathy. We know your pain and hope that this serves as some sort of comfort to you.
"Step forward now, Police Officer, you've carried your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets--you've done your time in hell." Godspeed Sherry.
Officer Donna C. Hillier
Purdue University Calumet Police Department, IN
Instructions - by Arnold Crompton
When I have moved beyond you in the adventure of life
gather in some pleasant place
and there remember me
with spoken words, old and new.
Let a tear fall if you will,
but let a smile come quickly
for I have loved the laughter of life.
Do not linger too long with your solemnities
go eat and drink and talk
and when you can--
follow a woodland trail
climb a high mountain
sleep beneath the stars,
swim in a cold river,
chew the thoughts of some book which challenges your soul,
use your hands some bright day, to make a thing of beauty
or lift someone's heavy load
Though you mention not my name,
though no thought of me crosses your mind,
I shall be with you,
for these have been realities of life to me.
And when you face some crisis with anguish
when you walk alone with courage,
when you choose your paths of right,
when you give yourself in love,
I shall be very close to you.
I have followed the valleys,
I have climbed the heights of life.
Sherry Lyons Williams, may God sustain your family and give them strength, because they miss you as do we all.
The Sifford Family
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