Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Investigator Sherry Elizabeth Lyons-Williams

Atlanta Police Department, Georgia

End of Watch Wednesday, April 4, 2001

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Investigator Sherry Elizabeth Lyons-Williams

I am not a police officer. But, being a woman I surely can imagine how much guts it takes to be a female officer. Not to mention a narcotics officer. This incident has really made me sad to know that the only goal was to get a drug dealer off the street. To the Williams family, Sherry is truely in a better place. Be strong and look above for strength. May God Bless each and everyone of you.

Dianne Babb
Stone Mountain, GA

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Sherry Lyons Williams. You truly went above and beyond the call of duty. My heart will always bleed blue.

A Former Atlanta Police Officer

We have lost a dedicated officer and soldier. She will be deeply missed.

SSG Yasmin del Sarnol
US Army

Investigator Lyons-Williams was one of the best narcotic officer I ever had the pleasure of working with. Prior to joining DEA, I was an investigator with the City of Atlanta's Gang Unit. Investigator Lyons-Williams was everything you would want in a Police Officer, a Investigator, a partner, and a friend. The news of Investigator Lyons-Williams death came with great pain for me. I now pray that GOD ease the pain of her family, and welcome Investigator Lyons-Williams spirit into his/her kingdom.

Special Agent Terrence O. Brown
D.E.A

Even though I did not have the opportunity to meet Sherry, I feel as if I have known her my entire life.



My heart goes out to her husband, her family, APD and all of her friends that had the opportunity to know and love her. I want to share this with those left behind please forgive me for the length.



TO MY DEAREST FAMILY, SOME THINGS I'D LIKE TO SAY,



But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with GOD above. Here, there's no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I am out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.



That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through, GOD picked me up and hugged me and He said "I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. I need you here badly, you're part of my plan. There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."



GOD gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight, GOD and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.



When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.



I wish that I could tell you all that GOD had planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over, I'm closer to you now, that I ever was before.



There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb. But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too, that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain then you can say to GOD at night, "My day was not in vain."



And now I am contented that my life was worthwhile. Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.



When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it's time for you to go from that body to be free, remember you're not going, you're coming here to me.

THE MCLAUGHLIN FAMILY
Riverdale, GA

to my sister in blue,



I know you were a TRUE WARRIOR! Your FAMILY in blue will miss you!



My prayers are with your family!

Trina Richardson
Orlando Police Dept.

YOU WILL BE MISSED. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD LIKE YOU. AN ATLANTA RESIDENT.

Anonymous

Sherry, the women of APD reflect on your courageous spirit.Thank you for being an example to me in ZONE 4. Your bright smile and shining spirit wil be missed.

Inv. T.M. Austin
Atlanta Police Department

Words cannot express how we really feel, when something like this happens. I truly thank God for his provision of police officers people who put their lives on the line for us every day who have famillies just like we do.More than just a policeman, or woman but a soul who is loved by her family and by God.The pay is not always that great but people who love there job enough to rise up early or late and go out and do it. Whether the person is black or white they do their best to up ho;d the law.Heaven awaits you Officer, Williams with open arms and God has a special place for all of his officers who have sworn to do the best that they can words cannot say enough you will be missed.

Anonymous

My prayers are with you may God keep you strong.

Anonymous

Sherry and I were college friends at UGA. She was my best friend and like a sister. We shared many moments together like going to the women basket ball games, Fishing, Movies, and plays. Once we graduated from school we kept in touch and continue to visit each other. I will miss my friend very much. She always had a way of making people smile, laugh and bring you out of low points. I know that the APD will miss having Sherry in the prescient for I know she continued to keep the squad on an upbeat note.



To Vicent, I hope to meet with you in the future and express my sympathy in person. I also hope that we can work with APD to better protect our officers so that this won't happen again.

Marcus C. Davis

Although I did not know her personnally, she was fellow officer that gave her life to making the streets of this city a better place to live and prosper. I feel for those who have lost a wonderful person, because I feel that I have lost too. Officer Sherry Lyons-Williams you are in a better place now and I hope that you are well taken care of as you devoted your life to taking care of not only the lives of others, but your own, your families and your fellow officers. We will miss you.

Officer J.R.Bilak
Atlanta Police Department

Sherry:



I will never forget your happy go lucky attitude, your warm and friendly, demeanor, and your bodacious appetite.(smile).
May God bless and keep you near. #132 lives.

Sergeant Anthony Moore
Atlanta Police

MISS ME--but let me go



When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?



Miss me a little==but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me--but let me go.



For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone,

It's all a part of the Masters plan,

Astep on the road to home.



When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know,bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,



Miss Me==But Let me Go'



GOD BLESS YOU OFFICER LYONS

Anonymous

I met sherry 12 years ago while training in Augusta,GA. with the 3297th (Medical unit) of the US Army Reserve. She was having a conversation with two other unit members of the 3297th. I knew the other two members were Atlanta Police officers and found out that Sherry was also an Atlanta Police officer and had been on the department about a year. Sherry spoke very highly of her work which inspired me to join the department. From that point on Sherry and I became very close friends and little over a year we were co-workers. Although we worked different shifts and Zones we both had a passion for working Narcotics. Sherry and I were both assigned to Narcotics in January of 1995. Sherry was awesome as a Narcotics investigator and a thrill to work with. Sherry knew the job well and could play the part of Geek Betty looking for a hit or a midlevel Baller, and turn right around suit-up and return with her team supervised by the "VIPER" (one serious team). When ever the "VIPER" needed something done he could count on Sherry and TJ(Sherry's partner). Shortly after being assigned to the unit, Sherry married "Tree"(Great person)and I am glad I was a witness to that joyous occasion. "Tree" you are and always will be part of the APD family. Sherry I love you and will miss everything about you . You were one motivated officer and I will never forget you until my last breath.



PS. Sherry you left me on my birthday and now I have two reasons to remember this day. The day I was born and the day you said good-bye.

Narcotics Investigator "Short Dawg"
Atlanta Police Department

sherry was a inspiration to all officers. always with a smile and a pleasant word. sherry taught me to always keep my head high and be proud of the work i did because someone appreicated me. sherry you will be missed and never forgotten

officer james battle
atlanta police dept

May God bless Officer Williams and her family. She sacrafice her life by protecting our city. There will always be a special spot in my heart for her and her dedication. I personally didn't know her; however, I feel like she was my blood sister. My heart went out to her when the accident was first shown because my husband is a fireman and this made be realize more these jobs are very risky and it takes certain people to do this job. Officer Williams was one of these special people that had her city at heart and would do anything to protect it. We love you Officer Williams.

Shundra Neal Smith/Customer Service
Georgia Power Company

Well, I have lost a true friend on Wednesday. She was a very special friend. She was great officer to work with on the street in Zone 4. She enjoyed the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech football games, she would come and visit me during the football games because she knew that I liked Ga. Tech and I knew that she was a big bulldog fan. I know that you are in a better place now with God. Times will tough but we will overcome and always remember you Sherry. I will always have that picture of you in that old box police car in Zone 4 to remember you by.

Officer R. A Bettis
Atlanta Police Department

Even though I didn't know your wife, I heard that she was a special person. The memories that you have of her will last a lifetime. Treasure them and remember all of the joy she brought to your life and the lives of others this is what will get you through. You won't ever forget her because she lives on forever in your heart. The Lord only takes the best for His kingdom, we all know that Sherry is in a better place. I saw you on the news recounting the goodbye your wife last gave you before going to work that day. You gave me strength when I saw the smile and the love on your face as you reflected on that last moment you spent with your her. Take care of yourself and go forward from here........don't dwell on the way she died, dwell on how she lived.

Security Specialist - Bobbi A. Jones
Fulton County Sheriff's Department

My thoughts and prayers are with Investigator Sherry Lyons-Williams and the entire Atlanta Police force. This is a tragic day for all of Law Enforcement.

Anonymous

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Inv. Lyons-Williams during this sad time. While I never had the pleasure of meeting her, anytime an officer is killed, it's like losing a member of your own family. She leaves us, covered in honor.

Sgt. Tony Leonard
Smyrna Police Department

Investigator Williams, you worked the streets just south of me, and your death comes as an unwanted reminder of the dangers faced in this job. However, it also serves as a reminder of how bad I love this job, and how criminals like that need to be off the streets. You will never be forgotten. And yes, he is in custody, and will never be parolled. May you forever rest in peace.

Noah Caplan
Roswell, GA Police

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Investigator Sherry Lyons-Williams family and the Atlanta Police Department, from the United States Postal Police Force.

Police Officer Walter Duran
U.S Postal Police

As Children of God, we know not the day, nor the hour. As Police officers, we expect it at any moment.I'm a 33 year old mother of 3 and a wife of 17 years. I've been in Law Enforcement since 1992 and When I was informed of Inv Lyons-Williams tragic death while in the line of duty I was at a loss for words. But I was not surprised. I don't say that to be cruel, I say that because as Police officers we don't know what we are going to have to face once we walk out of our homes, and hit the crime filled streets of the city in which we have sworn to Protect and Serve. Each and every Police officer who's ever taken that Oath know's the Burden that it carries along with it. But do we complain? No. Have we ever regretted taking that Oath? No. Each and every time an officer has fallen while carrying out their duties those of us who are left to mourn say two prayers.One for our brother or sister who has fallen and their family and close friends and co-workers, and one for ourselves. Because we know not the hour that our lives could be asked of us. To Inv Lyons-Williams Husband and family, my prayers will continue to be with you from this day forward. To all other Law Enforcement officers across the Nation, my prayers are with you everday. We as Law Enforcement officers do it because we care. We do it because we are selfless, and put others before ourselves. I'm so greatful to see that Sherry was loved by all..the bible says in Hebrews 13:2:Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for some have entertained Angels unaware. Its obvious that Sherry was one of God's angels who was placed on this earth for a season, and those of you have had the privilege to entertain this special angel are truly blessed.

PFC Trixie Morgan
Rome City Police Dept.

I never knew Mrs. Sherry Lyons or anyother law enforcement officer. It breaks my heart when I hear of such tragedy. You are in a better place now. You will be missed so much by family and friends but you are safe now. May you rest in Peace.

Marie
Forest Park Georgia

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