“A Look Back” This is MyStory
He often said, “I don’t know why God called me, as unfit as I am. I’ve made so many mistakes, but I know He had His reasons. I’ll know them, by and by.”
Joel Michael Williams started his journeys, September 15, 1950. The gift to Dorothy Mae and Joe L. Williams. Born of a dreaded heart disease, his mother being young placed his care to his father’ aunt and his mother’s god mother and her husband, Mary Emma and D. D. Pirtle who helped raise him. His first experience with Christ was at the New Era Baptist Church where the late Reverend Frank Bristol was Pastor. As a young lad, he loved Sunday School, and he preached the word. He professed a hope in Christ through under the urging of his god mother at her membership at the St. Paul Baptist Church, Collierville, Tennessee where the late Reverend Hugh Morris was the pastor. After years of serving there, he returned to New Era. A couple of years later he was led to go and hear the new pastor around the corner at New Shiloh, the person being the famous songster “Gospel Joe” Williams. Years later in August 1969, he joined. He served in many capacities, Deacon, Usher, Choir Member, Announcer, Sunday School Teacher and Church Clerk. He worked closely with Barbara Bailey and Norma Nelson in the King and Queen Drive with his ingenuity raised thousands of dollars. He was instrumental in the formation of a real Male Chorus at Greater New Shiloh, being urged by his friend the Pastor Williams. Arthur Snow was its President. A lover of youth, without hesitation he supported the Cherabin Choir, often serving as their devotional leader at their “Annual Concert.” After the passing of Reverend Williams and the selection of Reverend Arthur Snow, he gave him the same fervent support. Minister Joel Michael Williams, 66 passed, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, 20:13 at Methodist University Hospital. Known to many as “Uncle Michael.” A member of Greater New Shiloh Baptist Church, where he served as an Associate Minister over 30 years and in numerous other capacities and in past 40 years as a member. A native of “Orange Mound, Tennessee,” he was a graduate of Melrose High School, having attended there for 12 years and attended the University of Memphis and Tennessee State University; He was formerly employed at the Regional Medical Center (Medical Records) and certified as a Health Unit Co-Ordinator; Holiday Inns, Inc. (Executive offices on Lamar) and Federal Express, Inc. An accomplished vocalist, he was a member of The Back-To-God Workshop, The Walker Homes Workshop and The Grace Gospel Singers. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Charlton Andre and Everett Wendell and sisters; Ruth Patricia, Jocelyn, JoAnn, and Alison Yvette. He leaves to cherish his life, nieces & nephews; Stephanie Bailey, Jessica Bailey, Damion Bailey, Quantrese Brazzel, Danielle White, Dorcas White, Tereance White, Jeremi White, Phalishia Williams, Cherie Wilkins, Charlotte Todd, Syllandus Jackson, Shecoya Jackson, five goddaughters, LaShunda Calhoun (Tony), Darlene Stewart, Charlene Holland (Vincent) of New Jersey, Kimberly Patterson; and Evette, five godsons, Bishop Jerald Bailey (Joyce), Pastor Timothy Bailey (LaTarsha) of Illinois, Capt. Mitchell Brooks of Texas, Jerry Harrison and Jeremiah Bailey; three sisters, Cheryl Cannon, Carolyn Rushing and Shirley Davis; four brothers, Rickey Williams (Margo), Lt. Darrin Williams, Willie Jones and Minister A.Y. Nunley, Jr., god-mothers, Henrietta Program, Mary Devould and Bernice Tunstall; three Aunts, Earline Gardner, Geraldine Jeffries and Lois Coleman, one uncle, Charles Brooks; A very dear friend Janice Tunstall-Davis, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews and many other dear friends, friends and loved ones.
The Celebration
Saturday, July 22, 2017 • 12:00 Noon
Greater New Shiloh Missioanry Baptist Church 829 Maywood St. • Memphis, Tennessee 38114
Bishop Jerald Bailey ~Officiating~
Selection...........................................................................Mass Choirs Entrance of Family Scriptures: Old Testament - Psalm 23.........Pastor Sampson Townsend, Jr.
New Era Baptist Church
New Testament....................................Pastor David Fitzgerald
Mt. Gilliam Baptist Church
Prayer................................................................................A. Y. Nunley Solo..............................................................................Cheryl Cannon
“My Best Friend”
Mary Tunstall Snow Solo.................................................................................Vikki Spencer Farewell from Family.......................................Jacqueline Boyce Noel Selection............................................................................Mass Choir
“We Remember” 3 Minutes, Please
Mona Jones Hazel Devould
“We Recall”
Minister Edward Anderson Minister Lavern Steward
Tribute
Musical Tribute........................................................Pastor Tim Bailey Living Purpose Church
Words of Comfort........................................Bishop Edward Stephenson
Golden Gate Cathedral
Acknowledgments, Etc....................................................Diane J. Cole Hymn...................................................................... “Amazing Grace” The Word..............................................................Bishop Jerald Bailey Restoration Outreach Ministries
Final Viewing........................................................Directors Voluntary The Professional Staff of Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc.
Recessional
Whether in church, on his job or wherever he was, he lifted Christ. He made friends where ever he went. Many young people benefited from his urging them to reach beyond the break. A bright crowd waits for him. He was part of nearly every family in this church. We all bid him a loving farewell knowing we’ll enjoy his wit, his energy, his insights again! There No Way We’ll Ever Forget.
~Honorary Pallbearers ~ Ministers Deacons and Mother’s Melrose Class of 1970
Jeffrey M. Brooks Larry D. Brooks
“His Boys” Eric K. Gardner
Michael B. Books Timothy W. Brooks
~Active Pallbearers ~
Friends and Family of Minister Joel Michael Williams
~Acknowledgement ~
You came to say goodbye You came to share with us You came because you loved him too. You said the nicest things That anyone could say You helped us in ways that No other could do We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“The Family”
~Interment & Committal Rites ~ Memorial Park Southwood Cemetery 5485 Hacks Cross Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125
~Repast ~
Greater New Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 839 Maywood St. Memphis, Tennessee 38114 View Funeral Programs, DVD Tributes & More Through Your Mobile Device
Distinctive Services by
3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” ~Since 1923~
901.351.0753 www.mysticalprinting.com mysticalprinting@aol.com