Johnny Alexander Williams

Johnny Alexander Williams came from humble beginnings, but you would never know it by all he accomplished throughout his life. He was extremely proud of his journey and the legacy he built through hard work, faith, service, and perseverance.

John was born on October 18, 1969, in Jacksonville, Florida, to James and Sybil Williams. Because his parents were very young and inexperienced at the time, he was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Melrose and Maceo Williams, with a strong influence from his Aunt Rose Mary Williams who was instrumental in ensuring he had funds to complete his study at Morehouse College.

As a young boy, John dreamed of making enough money to help his grandmother pay bills, buy a larger home, and purchase clothes for himself. His strong work ethic began early. At just 13 years old, he began working for an apartment complex, earning $113.62 a week. His income helped ease the burden on his grandmother by allowing him to cover his own school clothes and expenses.

John graduated with honors from Andrew Jackson High School in 1987 and went on to attend Morehouse College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance.

While in college, John interned with IBM in Maryland. During that time, his uncle, a police officer in Montgomery County, often took him to work and to the police training academy to exercise. One day, the highest-ranking African American officer in Montgomery County noticed John lifting weights and offered him a job after learning he attended Morehouse College. At the time, John did not seriously consider the offer.

After graduating in 1991, John became a stockbroker in Atlanta. In 1992, he married the love of his life, Shonda Sheffield. John’s prayer was to create a life of stability and opportunity for his family. While planning to attend graduate school, he realized he needed a stable income, so he accepted the earlier offer to become a police officer.

Although law enforcement had not originally been part of his plan, it became a career he truly enjoyed. John often referred to policing as “the greatest show on earth... life.” As an officer, he worked closely within many low-income communities, serving both adults and children with compassion and dedication.

John was instrumental in helping launch the Community Policing Program Initiative. He became the first officer to live within the community he served alongside his wife and two children. He faithfully poured into the community through countless efforts, including serving as a Men’s Support Group Coordinator and participating in Kids with Cops programs. His service left a lasting impact on the lives of many individuals and families.

Never content to stop growing, John continually pursued greater opportunities for his family. In addition to his work as a police officer, he also served as a Men’s Support Group Coordinator, Insurance Broker, and Security Consultant, a business he and Shonda operated together.

John prayed for a career and financial stability that would allow him to support his family while working one primary job. In May 1999, God blessed him with an opportunity beyond his wildest dreams. John earned his master’s degree in finance from Johns Hopkins University and began a career with Stellantis, formerly known as DaimlerChrysler.

John steadily rose through the ranks within the organization while remaining committed to mentorship, leadership, and community involvement. He was actively involved with the National Black MBA Association, where he coached several high school teams participating in the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program. At the collegiate level, he served as a case competition judge, case writer, and mentor. He was also a dedicated member of the Atlanta University Recruiting Team.

Within Stellantis, John played an instrumental role in the Stellantis African Ancestry Network Diaspora (STANND), helping professionals build meaningful connections and networks. He also faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and was an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

John leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 33 years, Shonda Williams, and their six children, Devon, Simone, Donte, Enjeune, Justice, and Maceo. His legacy will continue to live on through his family, friends, cousins, mentees at Stellantis, and the countless lives he impacted through his leadership, mentorship, faith, and service.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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