Jerry Allan Williams

1955 - 2022

Jerry Allan Williams

1955 ~ 2022

Tarzana, CA - The heavenly hosts received a musical genius when Jerry Allan Williams passed away December 29, 2022. After battling West Nile Virus for several months, his weakened immune system succumbed to an infection, and he passed from sepsis. Jerry was born August 27, 1955 in Albany, GA to William Hillman Williams, Sr. and Arva Joy Ward (deceased).

Jerry lived passionately with discovery of talents and interests, and his capacity to absorb more of what life offered was unconfined. His childhood reflected this magical sense of discovery: he loved nature, and never met a tree he didn't like. He and his older brother, Bill (deceased), were pranksters. He kept many snakes for pets. He loved the water, especially vacationing with his family in Panama City Beach, FL. At the age of 12 he took piano lessons and knew he'd found a new passion.

As a teen in a band with a successful single, Jerry left the band and cut his long hair to answer the call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ecuador. After his mission, he graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in music. Jerry studied the lives and works of all the great classical music composers, and Brahms was his favorite. His wife introduced him to opera when they went to Marriage of Figaro for one of their first dates. He was hooked from that point on to opera...and Wendy. Jerry married Wendy Laurence in Irvine, CA October 12, 1990. He loved his wife and treasured his daughters, Lauren and Michaela, and they were sealed as a family in the Salt Lake City, UT Temple.

Jerry's profession included arranging, performing, conducting, and composing. Jerry loved live performance, and with his years of experience, he became an expert at putting live shows together. His ability crossed a broad spectrum of genres as he worked with numerous symphonies throughout the country and artists with varying styles such as Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Barry Manilow, and Britney Spears. Jerry wrote the music for two original musicals, Jane Eyre and The Best Medicine, and he created and arranged all music for the Las Vegas Donny & Marie Osmond show. Jerry also released Portrait of a People, classic hymns he arranged and original works he composed; he loved sacred music. Jerry touched countless lives with his talent, always shining a light on others while lifting them to sound and perform their best.

Friday was his favorite; he played both the Earl Thomas Conley and George Jones versions of "Finally Friday" at the 5 o'clock whistle to anyone around to commence celebrating. When Jerry decided it was time for a party, it became a party! He had a quick wit about him and a wonderful sense of humor.

Jerry had a passion for learning and usually carried a book in one hand and a Diet Coke in the other. He was a devout student of the scriptures and voraciously studied religion, art, history, and music. He learned to read and speak Hebrew. Honoring the Sabbath Day was a commitment he held sacred. He loved his LDS Tarzana Ward family, all those who have come and gone while living in the San Fernando Valley the last 32 years, and so many others who affected who he was. A quote from his notes on the cover of Portrait of a People encapsulates how Jerry felt about his journey and encounters with his fellow travelers. Speaking of people in his Albany Ward: "I still see their faces--too numerous to mention. They would quietly come into my life--make an indelible impression--then move on. Now, years later, they would have no idea of the impact they made." Now, through his tender example, he is the one that has left a permanent imprint on our hearts to love deeply, avoid judging others, and show kindness to all.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 32 years, Wendy Laurence-Williams; two daughters, Lauren Williams and Michaela Williams; a brother, Dave Williams (Eve); a sister, Gail Williams Iverson (Dan); and 18 nieces and nephews: Brent, Matt, Sarah, Daneka, Isaac, Morgan, Madison, Maren, Kirsten, Mette, Grant, Klara, Mackenzie, Madison L., Clayton, Morgan L., Annabelle, and Daisy.

A Family and Friends Gathering will be held on Friday, January 13 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the same location as the funeral. The funeral service will be held at the Tarzana Ward chapel at 5520 Topeka Drive, Tarzana, CA on Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be streamed and available via Zoom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Jerry Williams Memorial & Family Support gofundme account established to help support his daughters, Lauren and Michaela, with their higher education expenses as they will navigate their future without their beloved father.