Ivan Wesley Williams was born on February 13, 1958, in Canton, Ohio to the late John and Jacolia (Knox) Williams. He fought a good fight due to an extended illness until his departure on November 16, 2025. Molded by his parents, Ivan accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. Coming from a musically inclined family, Ivan was raised up singing in church choirs along with his siblings. His father directed the choir, while his mom and aunt played the piano and organ. Ivan attended Canton City Schools. It was at McKinley Senior High where he began to showcase his passion for playing the piano. He played for the school ensemble, then after graduation, he joined a jazz band. Ivan would later go on to play in several different bands: "Westbound", "Williams, Gaskin and Brown", and "The Backers", just to name a few. He even travelled to China playing in a band and stayed there for 6 months. His dedication to his music and community was something he thrived on, and he always looked forward to each event. He played for several different area churches, including Union Baptist, and that's where he remained until his health declined. In his earlier years Ivan became a self-motivated music entrepreneur. He wrote multiple songs, and a few of them were recorded by the famous O'Jays. In 1993 he joined a group called "For Keeps", bringing aboard his baby brother Jermaine, and later his older brother Byron. Until October 31st of this year the group was still performing. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, a son Rashad Williams, 3 brothers—Michael, Robin, and Marvin, Uncle George Dunwoody and Cousin Steve Knox. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his one and only daughter Desiree Winn (fiancé Antonio Still), 4 sons—Ivan Hunter, Erik Russelle, Brent Locket, and Brandon Ragland, his sisters Valencia and Vivica Williams, Awanya Mitchell, Saralyn Stevens, Carla Anozie, and Venosha Craig, sister-in-law Valerie Williams, brothers Darryal (Judy) Williams, Jermaine (Tracy), Byron (Kenna) and Walter Williams Sr., aunts Artelia Doss and Pastor Robin Dunwoody, cousins Kevin and Keith Knox, numerous grandchildren, a special shout out to the 12 who tugged at his heart. A very special friend Rose Davidson and Family, lifelong friends and groups members Charles (Jackie) Brown, Rae McDonad, Ennis Russelle, and Rick Neyhay, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.