Local StoriesAugust 12, 2026

Check Out Shadarius Williams’s Story

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadarius Williams.

Hi Shadarius, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into funeral service began when I was just 14 years old as a freshman in high school. I was blessed with the opportunity to start working at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home in the great city of Decatur, Georgia. At an age when many of my peers were still trying to figure out what they wanted to do in life, I found my purpose in serving families during some of their most difficult moment even though I never thought this would be something that make my career.

What started as an after-school job quickly became a calling. Every service I assisted with and every family I encountered taught me the importance of compassion, professionalism, and treating every life with dignity and respect. Those experiences shaped me into the young man I am today and confirmed that funeral service is more than a career—it’s my life’s purpose.

Over the past four and a half years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow within the profession, learning from some of the best funeral directors and staff in the industry. Which is…. Dr. Levett & Mr. Bernard Levett & Ms. Deanna Levett , Mr. Jermaine Williams , Ms. Princess Coleman & Many More. Their mentorship has inspired me to pursue funeral service as a lifelong career and has shown me the impact that excellence and genuine care can have on a family during their time of need.

Today, at 18 years old, I’m preparing to attend Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer. My vision is not only to continue serving families with compassion but also to become a leader in the profession, helping modernize funeral service while preserving the dignity and traditions that make it so meaningful. Looking back, I’m grateful that what began at 14 years old has grown into a passion that continues to shape my future every single day

Throughout this journey, I’ve been supported by my family every step of the way\. My mom and stepfather have been my biggest supporters, always encouraging me to stay focused and pursue my goals with discipline and faith\. My brothers have also played a major role in motivating me, pushing me to stay grounded and reminding me of where I come from\. My auntie has been a constant source of wisdom and encouragement, always reminding me of the importance of character, humility, and staying true to myself no matter how far I go in life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy. My biggest challenge has been proving that age doesn’t define ability. I entered funeral service at 14 years old, and many people underestimated me because of my age. Instead of letting that discourage me, I let my work speak for itself. Every challenge has made me more determined, more disciplined, and more committed to becoming one of the best funeral directors in the profession.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently serve in funeral service at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, where I’ve been blessed to grow in the profession since I was 14 years old. I specialize in serving families with compassion, professionalism, and excellence during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

What I’m most proud of is earning the trust and respect of those around me at such a young age. I’ve built a reputation for being dependable, respectful, and always willing to learn. I believe what sets me apart is that this isn’t just a job to me it’s my calling. While many people find funeral service later in life, I discovered my purpose early, and every day I’m committed to honoring families with dignity while continuing to grow into the funeral director I aspire to become.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Without a doubt, it’s my heart to serve. Skill can be taught, but compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to help people have to come from within. I believe my willingness to learn, stay disciplined, and treat every family with dignity has been the foundation of my success, and those are the qualities that continue to guide me every day.

Contact Info:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fyvestarshad?igsh=cGNjNm12NTduYmwz&utm_source=qr

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