Byron Turner De'Shon Williams

Byron Turner De’Shon Williams, 35, of Lancaster, SC., departed this life on Saturday, November 11, 2023. He was born on September 28, 1988 in Hattiesburg, MS to Richard and Stacey Williams.

As a child, Byron enjoyed spending time with his extended family for holidays and family gatherings, loved music, and was a multi-instrumentalist playing both the trumpet and French horn since middle school.

After his family moved to Tallahassee, FL, Byron attended Rickards High School where he graduated in 2006. It was there, under the leadership of his band director, Pastor Quincy Griffin Sr., that he strengthened his faith and grew in his love of music. Pastor Griffin invited Byron and his family to visit his church, Family Worship & Praise Center, where they later became members.

It was that very invitation that paved the way for Byron to meet the love of his life, Lorre. As teenagers, they became good friends and when he finally got the courage to ask her out, she told him no. Byron being the persistent and determined man that he was did not give up. Lorre eventually agreed to go out with him and they became inseparable.

Because of his musical abilities, Byron was awarded a scholarship to further his education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Lorre attended Florida State University down the street, but even the five-minute drive couldn’t keep them apart. They continued to date throughout college.

While in college, Byron was a member of the prestigious FAMU Marching 100 and still managed to find time to serve regularly in the production ministry at his church. Through volunteering on a consistent basis, Byron found a deeper love for Christ and grew in his knowledge of technology.

On December 15, 2012, Byron and Lorre attended a Christmas Party where they would end up playing a most memorable game of Taboo. Byron cleverly used Lorre’s favorite game to “seal the deal” and they were married in a small ceremony on July 13, 2013 surrounded by their closest loved ones.

Their love gave them the gift of two beautiful children, Arya born on 7/5/2016 and Jonathan born on 5/17/2020. Byron considered his children to be his greatest prize and joy. Their picture was something he kept in front of him to remind him of his “why.”

Byron and Lorre made the decision to move to Charlotte on a word from God and a job offer from Apple in 2016. Shortly after, they began attending Elevation Church and found a wonderful community that became like family. On July 16, 2018, Byron accepted a full-time position with the Tech Team at Elevation Church where he served faithfully until his unexpected passing.

To know Byron was to love him. He was a light to everyone he came in contact with and always provided a listening ear whenever needed. He valued people and sought to honor and celebrate them every opportunity he had, even if he’d just met you. It was this commitment to community that inspired him to lead a men's small group.

Byron also walked this out through his diversity and inclusion work — planning and executing Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations for the Elevation Church staff.

Left to continue his legacy are his wife of 10 years, Lorre of Lancaster, SC; two children, Arya and Jonathan of the home; mother, Stacey Williams of Charleston, SC; father, Richard Williams of Hattiesburg, MS; brothers, Alonzo Williams of Biloxi, MS and Cheston Williams of Charlotte, NC.

Celebration of life services will be held Saturday, December 2 at 11:00AM at Elevation Church — Matthews (11416 E Independence Blvd suite n, Matthews, NC 28105). All are welcome to attend.

The family requests that everyone come dressed in Byron’s favorite colors, orange and neutrals. Please refrain from wearing black.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Byron to support the financial needs of his family.