Joseph Louis Williams

Joseph Louis Williams entered eternal rest on June 30, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on August 2, 1935, he was the second of four sons born to Edwin Clifford Williams and Lillian Alveris Williams. Joe was a dutiful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, educator, servant of God and community leader whose life was marked by loyalty, service and excellence. For 57 wonderful years, he shared a loving and devoted marriage with his beloved wife, Janice DeLille Williams. Together they built a life grounded in love, faith and unwavering commitment to family. He was the father of Lauren DeLille Williams and Hollie Frey Germany. A lifelong member of Beautiful Zion Baptist Church, Joe honorably served his church family in numerous capacities throughout the years. He was a dedicated deacon, a member of the church choir and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, helping countless young people pursue higher education. Whether leading, serving or simply offering a helping hand, Joe gave generously of his time and talents to the church he loved so dearly. Music was another cherished part of Joe’s life. He was a proud member of the Williams Brothers Singers, performing alongside his Uncle Andrew and his brothers (the late Edwin, Roland and Rev. James R. Williams), sharing their faith and musical gifts in churches throughout Algiers. Joseph’s pursuit of excellence began early. He graduated from L. B. Landry High School in 1953, where he served as Captain of the football team. His athletic abilities earned him a scholarship to Texas College in Tyler, Texas, where he excelled as both a football player and track athlete. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education, laying the foundation for a lifelong career dedicated to teaching and mentoring young people. Never content to stop learning, he later earned his Master’s degree plus 30 additional graduate hours from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While attending Texas College, Joe became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he served as Basileus for three years. His commitment to the fraternity continued throughout his life as he became a founding member of Gamma Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity on the Westbank of New Orleans on April 14, 1962, helping establish a legacy of scholarship, leadership and service. Following his college graduation, Joe answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He served honorably in Germany for three years as a medical technician. After completing his military service, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming an educator and coach. Through his work in education, he inspired generations of students and athletes, instilling in them the values of discipline, perseverance, integrity and excellence. Joe began his professional career in both Orleans and Jefferson Parish School Systems for 36 years teaching and coaching at L. B. Landry High School, Lincoln High School, West Jefferson High School (as Athletic Director) and Helen Cox Middle School (as Disciplinarian) at the time of his retirement. A very proud accomplishment, while sharing in one of his favorite pastimes, was the establishment of the Westbank Golfers Association where he served as President for seventeen years. He earned many trophies and awards as a golfer, planned many golf tournaments at Brechtel Golf Course as he believed in the Association’s mission to get the youth in the area interested in playing golf. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, service, love and leadership that will continue to inspire future generations. Though he will be deeply missed, his life stands as a testament to a man who truly made a difference in his family, his church, his profession and his community. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Janice DeLille Williams; daughters Lauren Williams (Lenard), Hollie Frey Germany (Stan) and an honorary daughter Marietta Levy. Grandchildren Devin Williams, Landon Williams and Logan Williams. Brothers Roland Williams, Rev. James R. Williams (Rev. Josulyn), and Rayfield Alveris, Jr. (Eve), and sister-in law Gaynell DeLille Baudy as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors and members of Beautiful Zion Baptist Church and All Saints Catholic Church are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Beautiful Zion Baptist Church, 1017 Elmira Avenue, New Orleans, LA on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Viewing from 8:00 a.m. to time of service. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. service will be conducted at 9:00 a.m. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. ~~~~~ In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Joseph Louis Williams to The Westbank Ques Foundation, Inc., 1600 Franklin Street, Gretna, LA 70053 to support scholarships.