Joann Williams

Celebrating the Life of

JO-ANN

Williams

The Boyd Family Funeral Home 5001 Chef Menteur Hwy New Orleans, LA 70126 Wednesday, November 9, 2016

True Vine Baptist Church 2008 Marigny Street| New Orleans, LA 70117

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Viewing: 8:30am – 10:00am| Service: 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Donald C. Jeanjacques, Sr., Officiant

Sunrise March 25, 1935 Sunset October 30, 2016

Her Story “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anoitest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Psalms 23;1-6 KJV

Jo Ann Williams was born on March 25, 1935 in New Orleans, LA. She was 81 years old and was united in heaven with her loving son Darryl Green Williams and great grandson, Nibile Casborn.

She leaves behind her loving daughters Sandra Jean West, (Arnold) of Sacramento, CA, and Rosalind Richmond of Denver, CO,; her son James Wash Buckner, Denver, CO.; sister, Lorraine Palmer (Forrest) of Virginia Beach, VA. ; eight grand-daughters, Trymica Casborn, Kelli Kelly (Marvin), Shawan Davis (Corey), Dana Richmond, Kimberly West, Mija Davis, Karrin West, and Kristina West. 12 great grand-children, Dey’Quan Broughton, Dakari Broughton, Kori Kelly, Sydnee Kelly, Erika Davis, Arnell Davis, Josiah West, John Alter, Jordan Alter, Lorenzo Hall, Brielle Hall and Dylan Davis and leaves behind many devoted friends.

For more than forty years she was a devoted member of True Vine BC, serving on the Usher Board and Choir. She was crowned queen in 1977 for successfully supporting her church. She worked over thirty years and retired from New Orleans Linen Supply and later worked with L&R Security. Her favorite charity and mission was feeding the homeless, and giving blankets and bibles.

She loved the Lord, and she will be deeply missed by her family.

I MADE IT I've been thru the storm and rain, but I made it I've had some heart aches and pain, but I made it I've had some ups, and I've had some downs I've had some disappointments all around, but Thank you Jesus, hallelujah I made it You know the mountains, they get so high, Till they almost touch the sky, but Thank you Jesus, hallelujah, I made it You know I've been down to my last dime, but Jesus my friend, stepped in on time, Thank you Jesus, hallelujah, I made it

Order of Service Organ Prelude………………………………….. Minister of Music Ezekiel Franklin, Jr Processional ……………………………………….……. Pastor Jeanjacques and Family Opening Selection ………………………………..…..True Vine Baptist Church Choir Servant of Service ………………………………..…….…………Sis. Catherine M. Leavy Old Testament Reading ……………Job 23:1-10……….…Rev. Marvin Hudson, Sr Morning Star B. C.

Prayer Hymn ………………………………………………True Vine Baptist Church Choir Prayer ………………………………………………………...………Rev. Aavzo M. Bowens, Sr Prayer Chant ……………………………..………….……True Vine Baptist Church Choir Selection ………………………………………..…………..True Vine Baptist Church Choir Condolences …………………………………..……………..Deacons & Deaconess Board Selection ………………………………………………………..…..His Eye Is On the Sparrow Letter To My Mother ………………………………………..….….Daughter Sandra West Poems ……………………………………………………..…………..………………Grandchildren Selection ……………………………………………………………….……Take Me To The King Obituary, Acknowledgement of Cards & Telegrams Daughter Rosalind Richmond

Solo ………………………………………………..…Minister of Music Ezekiel Franklin, Jr Eulogy ……………………………………..………….……Pastor Donald C. Jeanjacques, Sr Invitation To Christian Discipleship Visitors Ministers……………………………………………….Reverend John L. Edmonds St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church

Viewing Benediction

Grandma Raised Right (A letter written by Karrin West, Granddaughter)

I woke up to the news that your time here with us on Earth would soon end. We called you on the phone to say our goodbyes. As the phone was being handed to me thoughts of things to say rushed to my head. But when it was time to speak all I could mutter out was, “I love you.”

When you moved on I was immediately filled with grief and anger. Grief stricken because I had just lost my Grandma and angry because the words I left for you were lacking--I didn't say enough. I wanted to say something profound and heartfelt but “I love you” was all I could manage.

The days following were long and hard, but during that time my every thought surrounded you and what you mean to me. I've come to realize, or rather, make a connection between you and my upbringing.

Growing up my mom used to say to us, “Because I raised you right.” That answer used to frustrate me because it didn't make sense. What is “right”? What does that mean? How do I achieve it? Why is it important?

I wish I could say this eloquently but Grandma you are what is right. My Mom raised us to be like you, Grandma. You are so caring, loving, strong, independent, and generous. I know there is no limit to what you would do for your family because you loved us so fiercely. For those who aren't family, you still found room in your heart and showered them with love. You refused to let anyone decide what you could and could not do. I remember you saying, “As long as there is air in my lungs I'm going to keep on trucking!” You showed that sometimes it's hard to love but to always continue to love because “God don't like ugly.”

You are everything I could ever hope to be. A true model to follow as I live my life. For that, all I can say is thank you, I love you, and I will miss you everyday.

But because I was raised right or raised like you Grandma, please know I'll make you proud.

I love you.

Karrin...

A Salute to Grandma Joann (Written by Kelli Kelly, Granddaughter)

A contagious laugh and a genuine smile for everyone you met; No fake pretense or putting on airs, what you see is what you get.

Hot pots on the stove, cooked with love - and of course, a dash of thyme; Ginger snaps stashed deep in the pantry, a treat that was always all mine.

Lace and ruffles on Easter Sunday, hats, gloves and purses too; Peppermints to keep us quiet, paper fans to keep us cool.

Care packages every Mardi Gras, a card each and every birthday; Bags of Camellia red beans by the pound, and you never forgot my beignets!

A million chuckles to a thousand jokes – you kept our spirits high; You showed us laughter is the best medicine. We laughed until we cried.

The 23rd Psalm, John 3:14, Philippians 4:13; You engrained in us a love for God. It is on Him now that we lean.

Your generosity, courage, and beautiful heart, your bear hugs and sweet grandma’s kiss; We carry these memories of you every day. These things, Sweet Joann, we will miss.

No distance, no boundaries, no number of miles stopped you from showing your love; Now that you have taken your Heavenly home, we’ll take comfort that your love flows from above.

Love, Your granddaughter, Kelli (Welly)

What is a Grama?

(Written by Shawan Davis, Granddaugfhter)

What is a Grama? I asked this question openly; Because what my interpretation is may not fit the mold of normalcy. What your grandmother may be to you, you, and you; Is just the stick needed to carry you through. For now if I can, I’d like to borrow your ear for just a moment or two; I’d like to share with you how my grandma Joann was my personal glue.

From the lessons of cracking crawdad tails, to stuffing their heads with bisque; Ha! If I ever got caught sneaking an early taste, a quick pluck to my hand I would immediately get. It was a game though between; Grandma and I because that never stopped me. My appetite was as big as my eyes; In fact, grandma nicknamed me “vacuum cleaner” because I ate up everything in sight!

Church hymns vibrated Elysian Fields walls every Sunday morning; The sound of southern gospel tunes alerted all us cousins of where we were going.

Sure, we tried to dive deep under our sheets; But it was the sound of grandma’s peculiar foot stomps that gave us all an instant ability to leap.

One braid down the middle and two pony tails on the side; A navy blue pleated dress with white shiny shoes to glide.

Grandma (A Poem Submitted by Dana Richmond, Granddaughter)

With the gift of years comes the treasure of knowing that there are many who love you dearly.

The memories you've made with us will last forever. the tenderness you've shared with us will never fade.

The most wonderful gift you could ever give is the special part of you that now lives in each of us.

And the truth your love has taught us can only be strengthened by the gift of time...

for where roots grow deep, memories grow

Comfort is what grandma gave me; And love is what she always provided. Wisdom is what she shared with me; And time is what she always bought out for the family.

Patience is what she exercised from the start; And faith in God is what she built up in my heart.

Endurance is what she displayed; During all trials and that strength carried over to my mom to this day.

So as an adult, daughter, mother and wife; I suppose my: “What is a grandma” question has now come to light. She was my friend, she was my mom’s mom, and she was my grandma who loved me whole heartedly; The time we spent together was and always will be most precious to me. So I will pass all that I have learned on to my children; So that my grandma will continue to live on in them.

Until I see you again in paradise; I love you grandma and it’s never good bye.

So rest now until the fulfillment of John 5:28.

Love your granddaughter, Shawan

The Loss of a Loved One (A poem submitted by Mija Davis, Granddaughter)

The loss of a loved one is so hard to face; You just want to hide, go somewhere and escape!

But death is something we all must go through; I know it's hard when it's someone you loved and knew.

Just know now, she is in a better place; No more hurt or pain shall she face.

It seems unfair, and yes, this is true, But she is in Heaven now watching over me and you!

God has called her home to rest!!

And she's being well taken care of…

Because God knows best!

Pallbearers

Honorary Pallbearers

Wayne McClendon Kevin Bentley Marvin Richmond Sr. True Vine Deacon Board

James Wash Buckner George Richmond Sylvester McClendon Dwight Sterling

Acknowledgements The family of Jo-Ann Williams wishes to thank everyone for the many prayers, cards, flowers, fine deeds, and services rendered during the passing of our loved one.

Special Thanks to True Vine Baptist Church Family, Heart of Hospice and John J. Hainkel Jr Home and Rehabilitation Center

Continue to keep us in your prayers.

May God bless and keep you.

The Family

REPAST

INTERMENT

E. F. Lockley

Resthaven Memorial Park 10400 Old Gentilly Rd. New Orleans, LA 70127

Fellowship Hall

ARRANGEMENTS Boyd Family Funeral Home 5001 Chef Menteur Highway New Orleans, LA 70126

Program Design & Printing: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com