Johnnie M. Williams, Jr.

Johnnie M. Williams, Jr., affectionately known as “Tom Cat”, was born August 22,1940, in Capron, Virginia to the late Johnnie T. Williams and Irene TurnerWilliams. Johnnie departed this life quietly on March 30, 2023, when he answered the call of the master’s voice. Johnnie was educated in the Southampton County school system. He played football in High School. He loved fishing, drawing, and painting. He was a devoted Washington Commanders fan; formerly known as “The Redskins”. He also loved to garden and loved the outdoors. He attended Norfolk State College as an Art major. Johnnie was later drafted into the United States Army. After returning home, in 1968, he joined the Suffolk Police Department where he was one of the first black officers to serve and during this time he enrolled at Paul D. Camp College where he graduated with honors. He served as Chief of Campus Police on the campus of Norfolk State College and later transitioned to the Suffolk Sheriff Department. He later matriculated to the Norfolk Sheriff Department where he worked until retirement. In 1962, while at Norfolk State College, Johnnie met the love of his life, Lavonne Walker. On June 25, 1966, they joined in holy matrimony at East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA. To this union they were blessed with two sons, Darryl, and Keith. Johnnie was a devoted husband and father. He was a great provider and loved his family dearly. Johnnie was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Irene Williams; brothers, Kermit and Larry Williams; sisters, Jacqueline Ware and Joan Wilson. He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, B. Lavonne Williams of 56 years of Suffolk, Virginia; sons, Darryl Williams (Adriane) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Keith Williams of McKinney, Texas; brothers, Shelton Williams of Tacoma Park, Maryland, Calvin Williams of Portsmouth, Virginia, Andre Williams of Portsmouth, Virginia; sisters, Sandra Gaskins (Gary-deceased) of Gambrills, Maryland, Wanda Hughes of Portsmouth, Virginia, Frieda Cason (Pastor DeWayne); five grandchildren: Christopher Williams (Mallorie), Alicia Williams (Pastor Terrell), Darryl Williams, Jr., Keith Williams, Jr. and Zuri Williams; four great grandchildren: Jaxon, Journee, Jahna, Averie and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. A celebration of life will be held noon, Friday, April 7, 2023 at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Johnnie M. Williams, Jr., please visit our flower store.