Joseph Adam Williams

Joseph Adam (Joe/Pap) Williams transitioned peacefully from this life the morning of December 22, 2012 at the age of 63. Joseph was born July 9, 1949 in Tuscaloosa, AL to Joseph Williams and Doris Bereneice (Eddins) Williams. He was the second of seven children. At a young age the family relocated to Chicago where Joe attended Chicago Public Schools. After graduating in 1968, Joseph enlisted into the United States Marine Corp serving his country faithfully in the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm. Shortly after leaving Vietnam, Joe moved to Saginaw, Michigan and made it his home where he served in the Michigan Army Reserves until he retired as Sergeant Joseph Williams with over 30 years of military service (“The Real GI-Joe”). Pap brought great joy and with his family gardening and the many lives he touched. He loved the Lord and the Word of God. He sang with the Male Choir at the following churches before his health failed: Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor and Mother Merkerson and later Freewill Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Speed. As his health failed he began to worship with and became good friends with Pastor al Hayes. Pastor Hayes provided spiritual guidance and ensured that Joe had communion and Bible Study. He loved the Gospel Quartet Singers the Williams Brothers, Canton Spiritual Singers and other groups. Joseph will be remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. Joe will be missed by his children, Latisha Marcus, Chicago, IL, Yolanda Baskin, Kennesaw, GA, Frank Baskin, Arlington, TX, Chanel Baskin, Chicago, IL, LaShaundria Carson, Saginaw, MI, Jojuaniis Carson, Detroit, MI, Aviance Baskin, San Diego, CA, Eddie Shelby, Barbara (Roderick) Shelby Smith, Laini Venson, Saginaw, MI and Sarah (Kenneth James) Lindsey. He will be sadly missed by his sisters, Lula Woodard, Dr. Myra (Brian) Hoosier and Dereneice Williams all of Saginaw, MI; two aunts, Josie Smith and Martha Williams both of Chicago, IL; a special and devoted friend, Helen Baskin and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Valeria Williams; his parents, Joseph and Doris Williams; both maternal and paternal grandparents; two brothers, McDonald and Jimmie Williams; sister, Patricia Williams. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2012 at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, with the funeral commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Albert Haynes, Jr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Joseph Adam Williams

July 9, 1949 - December 22, 2012