Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

When my daughter graduated from high school in
1997, she wanted to join the police force. Two weeks later, her father was murdered in DeKalb County in a still unsolved home invasion robbery. I was so afraid of losing her after the loss of my husband that I didn't want her to become a police officer. I convinced her to enroll in college, study Criminal Justice, and think about doing forensics - something "safe". But after the tragic death of Investigator Lyons-Williams, I asked her to reconsider her original choice of a career. As a young African-American woman, I want her to finish college and join the Gwinnett County Police Department. If the
family of Inv. Lyons-Williams has made the ultimate sacrifice, my family should be willing to take the same chance. She is returning to the Atlanta area next month, transferring to Georgia State University and, upon graduation, hopes to be blessed with the strength and courage to become a law enforcement officer to honor
the memory of brave woman who went before her.

Anonymous

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS GRACE AND LOVE. YOU HAVE FOUGHT YOUR FIGHT AND GOD HAS TAKEN YOU HOME. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL AND RESPECTED BY EVERYONE. THOSE OF US LEFT BEHIND NOW HAVE A NEW GUARDIAN ANGEL IN BLUE TO WATCH OVER US.

sr.paramedic p.m. crosby
DEKALB COUNTY

Sherry:

You will be missed and thank you for inspiring me to be the best at what I do. I can not say how many times I have said those words you so beieved in, "DO NOT DO ON TO THOSE AS YOU WOULD NOT WANT THOSE TO DO ON TO YOU" I have always repected people because that is what I expect in return and for as long as I shall live in this world I will continue to do just that.

May God Bless your family and keep them safe. We will all see eachother again and until that time your laughter and memories will continue to live in our hearts.

Officer
Atlanta

I worked as an Atlanta Braves Security Officer in the early 90s. This is how I met Sherry. She was serious about her job and was very pleasant to those she came into contact with. Even though she was small in statue she was large in her heart. I currently work for FedEX and she was well known there. So many people will miss her because she truely is a genuine person. I am so very glad that I had the opportunity to meet her and be in her presence. May she forever rest in peace!!

Sharon Beasley
FedEx

As the parent of two police officers, one a young woman such as Investigator Lyons-Williams I feel deeply the tremendous pain which her family must be going through.My heart goes out to them in their sorrow.To be the parent of a law enforcement official is never easy but the sleepless nights you have spent worrying about your daughter reflect her determination to protect and serve.She is a true hero and will be truely missed by the brother-hood and sister-hood of law enforcement.

Mrs.LorraineBrown

Our prayers are with the family. I personally did not know Dective Williams but I have an uncle that work very close with the fallen officer. My husband is also an officer with the A.P.D. My father in-law also with A.P.D and knew Dective Williams very well. I also work for a police department Georgia State University P.D. So this hits very close to home. I can not imagine what her husband is feeling right now but my family will keep the Lyons-Williams family in our prayers.

oy Minor/DispatchII, Brian K. Minor/Offi
Georgia State University P.D/Atlanta Police Dept.

I met you long time ago and you were the nicest officer in Atlanta. God bless you and your family. You are in a better place right now and always Go DAWGS..........

Your sister from the GA DAWGS

Anonymous

Sherry I love you girl and I regret our short time together as friends. I treasure all the laughs we have shared and know that the guys (they know who they are) can't hold a candle in the abuse dept. Everytime I slap TJ it will be done for you! Everytime I make corn bread it will be for you.Every time I make an apple pie, it will be for you. You were and will always be a bright spot in my life. You not only touched my life but my daughter's. She will make you proud at UGA.

Kitchen Manager
Manuels Tavern

TO READ SO MANY MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES IN THE MEMORY OF INV. LYONS-WILLIAMS, YOU WOULD HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT SHE WAS LOVED AND RESPECTED BY MANY WHO KNEW HER AND THOSE PEOPLE WHO DIDN'T. OUR JOBS--FROM THE STREET COPS TO THE CORRECTIONS OFFICERS--ARE NOT UNDERSTOOD BY MANY CIVILAINS OUT THERE. THEY JUST WANT THE JOB DONE. THEY JUST DON'T KNOW THE GOOD TIMES WE HAVE OR THE TEARS WE SHED--THEY JUST WANT THE CRIMINALS OFF OF THE STREET. WE RECENTLY LOST AN OFFICER IN GAINESVILLE, FL JUST DOING HIS JOB. IT IS SAD HOW INV. LYONS-WILLIAMS DIED, BUT AT LEAST HER PERPITRATOR DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO GLOAT ABOUT TAKING THE LIFE OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. FROM THE ALACHUA COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF THE JAIL, THE ALACHUA COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE, THE GAINESVILLE FLORIDA POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE OTHER AGENCIES IN OUR AREA, OUR SINCERCE CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND MEMBERS OF THE ATLANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT.

SGT DERRICK JAMES
ALACHUA COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE DEPARTMENT OF THE JAIL

Our Sisterhood is praying for the family of officer Williams. May they find comfort knowing her death was not in vain.

Erma Gore Killings
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of an Atlanta police officer on duty, even moreso when I learned it was of a friend from the University of Georgia. While I hadn't seen Sherry since probably 1984, she is truly unforgettable and I feel fortunate to have known her. She always had a quiet confidence, focus and dedication to her work that showed maturity beyond most her age. She also had a great sense of humor, a lot of spunk, and a tactful directness when she spoke. She seemed to play basketball for fun as hard as she worked! It is not surprising that she excelled at such a challenging job with the Atlanta Police Department. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues. I would like to express my appreciation to all at the APD for the hard work you do every day.

Carla Williams
Atlanta, GA resident

The Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated would like to express our sympathy in the tragic and senseless loss of such an outstanding woman. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is a community service and action oriented organization designed to uplift women and their communities of various backgrounds and cultures. While Officer Lyons-Williams was not a member of our Sorority, she was obviously a woman of virtuous character and for that her death nor her living was in vain. Please know that our
thoughts and prayers are with you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

In Sisterly Love,

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter

Atlanta, Georgia

Yovanda L. Deason,

Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

I am a Rookie Officer with a Metro Atlanta Police Dept. I hold people like Inv. Lyons as heros. I only wished that I could have met her. I hope to one day do the same job for my department as she did for hers. She made the ultimant price doing the job she loved so. My prayers are with her family, loved ones, and fellow officers of the APD. May God bless all my new brothers and sisters that wear the badge.

Anonymous

Working without will be hard for the laughter you have brought to all that has come upon you during our daily operations. I hopr you will be on duty when I come your way.I have to keep reflecting on your special word for people,

SEE YOU AROUND "SHORTY"

HEY "SHORTY"

Everyone was named "SHORTY"

Buster Edmonds/Fugitive Unit/Atlanta Police Department

Detective
Atlanta Police Fugitive Unit

JOYCE AND I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!

Anonymous

YOU WILL BE MISSED!!!

SPECIALIST ELTON ANDREW
U.S. ARMY

THIS OFFICER SHOULD NOT HAVE GIVING UP HER LIFE OR ANY OTHER OFFICERS SHOULD BE KILL IN THE LINE OF DUTY. BECAUSE OF DRUGS IN THIS COUNTRY. WE NEED TO STOP THE WAR ON DRUGS.

PATROL OFFICER/ BENJAMIN HARROW
COLUMBUS POLICE DEPT.

Here we are again mourning the passing of another brave officer who has been gunned down and taken away from their family and friends. I am not an officer, but my husband is a deputy. I could not imagine a phone call like the one that this officer's spouse recieved. All I can say is thank you for the life you gave Officer Williams, and to your husband, you are in our prayers. HEAVEN JUST GOT ANOTHER ANGEL!!!!

Amanda Henson (husband is deputy)
Cobb County , Georgia

As I do search my very soul for a thought of comfort it hurts me to find that I have lost such a worthwile sister in life and in battle. The news of Inv. Lyons-Williams' death came to me as I was trying to enjoy a few days of leave away from the city (little Vietnam ) on vacation. Now as I return to service I along with a countless number of other Officers,Family,and Friends am charged with the task of laying to rest yet again another Officer. Only GOD can give us the comfort that we so desprately are in need of. I had the priviledge of knowing and working with Inv. Lyons-Williams as a member of the C.I.D unit. Sherry eximplified the character of what a Police Officer should be Male/Female! Her efforts in this life shall not go unnoticed. And as I am well aware even perps can read, so If you find your eyes browsing this reflection be it known that the loss of this fine Officer is not a victory for your kind. There will come a DAY OF JUDGEMENT which no man shall escape and you shall reap the harvest of the FIRE ever eternal. To the family,friends and fellow Officers I pledge to you the PEACE of GOD, take comfort in it.

Officer B.M. Reid
ATLANTA POLICE DEPT.

I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Investigator Lyons-Williams husband and family. Although we know the risk of the job when we choose to become a Police Officer, it is always hard when we lose one of our own protecting and serving the citizens of our cities, towns and states. I'll see you when I get there!!!

Officer Ezell Ware III
Broken Arrow, Ok. Police Dept.

Here we go again, making another unwelcomed journey for a fallen officer. We never get use to this and it gets harder every time we take this walk. As an officer, I knew Sherry for about 12 years and when you meet her, she was a person who took command of what was before her. When you think about her, you think about Moses. God brought Moses to the point of his life where he acknowledge his hard work and dedication, but for a moment of anger, it cost him his right to cross over and see the promise land. Well, Sherry , God has lead you over and allowed you to see the promise land ,and now he's allowing you, "True Soldier", to cross over. I'll see you when I get there my friend. God Bless You and Your Family.

Officer Reginald T. Butler I.
Atlanta Police Department

Even though i did not know Investigator Willims, I still feel great pain n lost for her n her family. Mrs. Willim was a wife n a loveable person. She will be deeply missed. GOD loves u and your family n so do i. Mr.Willim keep your head up. May GOD be with u sir.

HSO
Crawford Long of Emory Hospital

Many years ago I met Detective Sherry Lyons-Williams as we worked an extra-job together at the old Fulton County Stadium. In 1995 we were appointed as Detectives in the narcotics unit together. During those years all of the Detectives assigned to narcotics came to know and love Sherry, her small frame held a fearless attitude and personality that has left it's mark on all of us. Sherry was always one of the guys, she could handle any situation with the best officers around, always at the front during a warrant enrty, she had nothing to prove, that was just the way Sherry was. Sherry was always cheerful, smiling and always had a cutting remark for you. No matter who, or how big you were, you were always "shorty" to her.

For those who did not know her, I am sorry you missed out, for those of us who did, we share the sorrow of losing a wonderful friend, and for all of us in the Narcotics office who will never hear her famous words "out of my way shorty" we can smile as we remember Detective Sherry Lyons -Williams

Sgt. Wayne Whitmire
Atlanta Police Department

I, too, had the honor and privilege to serve with Sherry for 5 years in the Army Reserves. Her dedication, proficiency and characher have been eloquently remembered below by my Army colleagues Klob, Sifford and Campbell.

As Sherry leaves us, I hope that somewhere out there some parents are still teaching their children the meaning of community service. I hope that somewhere out there someone is still teaching children about self-sacrifice and the importance of putting the interests of others ahead of their own. I hope that somewhere out there some children have a chance encounter with the "old" guy down the street who tells them of his days on Omaha Beach, in Da Nang or Kuwait in such a way that they never again look at Our Flag with indifference.

I hope that all out of all of these children who have all of these encounters, at least a couple dedicate their lives to serving their communities. I hope that at least a couple of these children dedicate their lives to serving this Country.

Most of all, I hope that those few children who end up actually choosing to serve their communities and those few children who actually end up choosing to serve their country can--cumulatively--serve their fellow man as selflessly and honorably as did Officer (SGT) Lyons-Williams.

Godspeed, Sherry. Go Dawgs.

MAJ Bill Dyer
US Army Reserve

When I heard of the news of another police officer shot I was truly saddened. When I looked upon the T.V. screen though and heard the name then I saw the picture. It looked so familiar, I knew I had seen her before, I knew I had seen that smile somewhere. I went to school with Sherry in Pike County.I didn't know her all that well but every time that I saw her she had a smile on her face and you could tell that she was just an all around nice person. She never bothered anyone.You don't meet to many people like her.She will be missed and my heart goes out to her family.

Marlene Moore