You might know her as the quick-witted and lovable Laura Winslow from the hit ’90s sitcom Family Matters, but off-screen, Kellie Shanygne Williams has been writing a love story all her own. In a world where celebrity marriages often make headlines for the wrong reasons, Kellie and her husband, Hannibal Jackson, have quietly celebrated 15 years of marriage — a milestone that deserves recognition.
Let’s take a deeper dive into their love story, what makes their marriage work, and how they’ve balanced love, family, and purpose in a not-so-private world.
Who Is Hannibal Jackson?
The Man Beside the Star
Hannibal Jackson might not be a household name like his wife, but he’s a man of substance. A former military reservist turned business executive, Jackson has carved his own path outside of the Hollywood spotlight. He’s the founder and CEO of Y-Tech, a government IT service provider. His focus on service, discipline, and family helped lay the foundation for a strong and stable partnership with Kellie.
How Did Kellie and Hannibal Meet?
A Love Sparked by Faith and Friendship
Their paths first crossed in 2007, through mutual friends and faith-based circles. Both shared a commitment to spirituality and family values. That alignment made their connection natural and deep from the very beginning. Just two years later, in September 2009, the couple said “I do” at a beautiful ceremony in Fort Washington, Maryland, surrounded by loved ones.
Inside Their Wedding Day
A Celebration of Love and Legacy
Their wedding was anything but Hollywood. It was intimate, faith-filled, and genuine — reflective of who they are as a couple. They married at Ebenezer AME Church, a place rich in tradition and love. The wedding wasn’t about glitz and glam; it was about grounding their future in shared purpose.
The Foundation of Their Marriage
Faith, Communication, and Respect
What keeps their bond strong after 15 years? According to interviews and glimpses into their life, it’s three things: faith, communication, and mutual respect. Unlike many Hollywood couples who are pulled apart by fame and pressure, Kellie and Hannibal remain grounded by keeping their personal life sacred and prioritizing their partnership.
Balancing Marriage and Motherhood
Meet Their Children
The couple are proud parents of two children: a daughter, Hannah Belle Jackson, and a son, John Ervin Jackson. For Kellie, motherhood has been a rewarding chapter of her life. After her acting career slowed down, she focused more on family, building a home centered on love, learning, and support.
Kellie’s Transition from Actress to Advocate
Stepping Away From Hollywood
After her time on Family Matters, Kellie took a step back from the entertainment industry to focus on personal passions. She founded the Kellie Williams Program, which offers Washington, D.C. youth opportunities to produce and star in their own television shows — teaching them about media, storytelling, and leadership.
How They Keep the Spark Alive
15 Years of Growing Together
Marriage isn’t about avoiding conflict; it’s about growing through it. Kellie and Hannibal credit honest conversations, date nights, and shared family traditions as key to keeping the romance alive. In a world of endless distractions, they prioritize time together — even if it’s just cooking dinner or watching a movie at home.
Why Their Story Stands Out in Hollywood
Breaking the Celebrity Marriage Stereotype
In an industry filled with whirlwind romances and short-lived unions, Kellie and Hannibal stand as proof that love can thrive when rooted in purpose. Their story isn’t flashy, but it’s real — and sometimes, that’s what we need more of.
Family First: Their Guiding Principle
Raising Kids With Intentional Values
Kellie and Hannibal aim to raise their children with integrity, discipline, and compassion. Their parenting approach includes instilling faith, encouraging curiosity, and modeling emotional maturity — the kind of foundation that helps kids navigate today’s complex world.
Reflections on 15 Years Together
Gratitude, Growth, and Grace
Reaching 15 years together hasn’t been without challenges, but both Kellie and Hannibal have expressed gratitude for every moment. They view marriage as a journey, not a destination — always learning, always evolving.
What We Can Learn From Kellie and Hannibal
Real Relationships Take Work
There’s no perfect marriage — but theirs shows that with intentionality, patience, and love, you can create something beautiful. Whether you’re newly married or decades in, their story is a reminder to show up for each other every single day.
Celebrity Marriage Done Right
Quiet Love, Loud Impact
While many celebrity couples draw headlines for drama, Kellie and Hannibal prove that the quietest love stories often have the loudest impact. They’ve remained grounded, united, and faithful — both to each other and their values.
Looking Ahead: The Future Together
Continuing to Inspire
As they look toward the future, Kellie and Hannibal remain focused on growth — as individuals, as a couple, and as parents. Whether it’s through community programs, parenting, or personal development, their journey continues to inspire.
Conclusion
Fifteen years of marriage in any world is impressive. But in Hollywood? It’s downright extraordinary. Kellie Shanygne Williams and Hannibal Jackson have shown us what love, resilience, and intentional living can look like. Their story reminds us that behind every strong marriage is a strong foundation — built on values, faith, and mutual respect.
So, the next time you think of Laura Winslow, remember — her greatest role might just be the one she plays at home.
FAQs
1. How long have Kellie Shanygne Williams and Hannibal Jackson been married?
They’ve been married since September 5, 2009, celebrating over 15 years of marriage.
2. Do Kellie and Hannibal have children?
Yes, they have two children — a daughter named Hannah Belle Jackson and a son named John Ervin Jackson.
3. What does Hannibal Jackson do for a living?
Hannibal Jackson is the CEO of Y-Tech, an IT services company serving government clients.
4. Is Kellie still acting?
While Kellie occasionally appears on screen, she focuses more on family, philanthropy, and mentoring youth through her community initiatives.
5. What makes their marriage successful?
Faith, communication, respect, and shared values have helped them build a strong and enduring partnership.
