Ivan Shard Williams was born October 14, 1987 in Jackson, MS to Theresa Jaynes and Steve Williams.

He attended the Mendenhall and Gulfport Public Schools. After high school, he attended the Gulfport and Jacksonville Job Corps, earning a GESD and other trades to advance his future. Following Job Corps, Ivan was employed in a variety of jobs. However, cooking was his passion. He had aspirations of attending a culinary arts school, with a strong desire of one day becoming a chef.

Ivan united with the Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. C. R. Shelby, Sr. During his early years, he was a member of the Youth Choir, the Usher's Ministry and he also played the drums.

Ivan wore a charming smile and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Alfred and Hattie Thornton and Ruby Jaynes; his fraternal great-grandparents: William and Sadie King and his fraternal grandfather, Isaac Williams.

Ivan leaves to cherish fond memories: his devoted parents: Steve Williams, Gulfport, MS, and Theresa (Billy) McAfee, Mendenhall, MS; seven children: Ivasia, Ivion, Prince, Chance, Paris, Kenya and Zion Williams; seven loving sisters, Irish Reynolds and Tamekiee Ball, both of Gulfport, MS, Laytonya (Howard) Burkett, Samantha (Howard) Williams, Shanell McAfee, Katie and Dessie McAfee, all of Mendenhall, MS; one brother, Isaac (Tammy) Williams Allen, TX; a dedicated grandmother: Geraldine Jones; two special aunts: Helen Thornton and Cynthia (Alphonso) Butler, a special cousin: Krystal Williams and a host of other relatives and friends.