Warner Joseph Williams

Warner Joseph Williams went from labor to reward on September 25, 2022, at the age of 74. He born on June 6,1948 to the late Thomas and Ida Mae Williams. He was a local musical artist, raised in uptown New Orleans who began his musical career at the mere age of 6, when he began playing the tenor saxophone. A year or so later while attending Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, he was selected as the ‘mascot’ for Xavier University Preparatory High School Band. Once he began attending Xavier Prep for high school, he was not only a band member, but was the section leader, a writer and arranger for the band. During his matriculation through high school, he also formed several bands of his own that performed throughout the city. He attended Xavier University on a full music scholarship, but soon chose to pursue a fulltime career in music. He formed a local band called the Louisiana Purchase and they performed all over the United States and Canada to include opening for the Temptations. The ‘Louisiana Purchase’ cut several albums with local chart toping hits such as “For The Moment” and “Baby’s Love” and the remake of “Baby Come Back”. After having a laryngectomy in 1994, Warner couldn’t play the saxophone anymore, but refused to give up on music, so he taught himself how to play the piano. Along with playing the keyboard, Warner further pursued his musical talents through writing, arranging and directing. He was the musical director for the incomparable Irma Thomas, for almost 30 years and was often invited to play with local notable artists Marva Wright and Fats Domino. He was a sought after and well-loved musician….. a true New Orleans legend. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife Carolyn Hall Williams; his daughters, Terri Mercadel-Luster (Brian) and Regina Mercadel of New Orleans, LA and Shannon Riddell of Oshawa, Canada; his grandchildren, Julius Gibbs (Kahlia) of Houston TX, Shelrick Bezue, Kieron Bezue and Tajh Mercadel of New Orleans, LA and Briana Riddell (Cory) of Oshawa, Canada; three great-grandsons, Kingsley Wilding and Gabriel Wilding of Oshawa, Canada and Kruze Gibbs of Houston, TX; his brothers Vincent Williams and Brennan Williams of New Orleans, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, fellow musicians and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Williams and Ida Mae Olivier Williams, his sister Idara Williams Elam and his brother Vaughn Williams. Family, friends and musicians are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial that will be celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Friday, October 14, 2022. Musical Prelude will begin at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guest book.