Joseph Harvey Williams

The Obituary of Joseph Harvey Williams

Joseph Harvey Williams was born on December 6,1951 at Somby Memorial Hospital in River Rouge, Michigan. Joseph was also affectionately called “Jody” or “Joe” by most, “Joe Rilla” by his siblings and children and “JodyBug” by his grandma. He was the son of Asbury Theodore Williams and Dorothy (Harvey) Williams. Mr. Williams was married to Marva (Houston) Williams on August 10, 1974. Amanda Nicole Williams, Stephanie Joann Williams and Helen Elizabeth Amber Williams were born to this special union. One of Jody’s most cherished roles was being a father. He taught his daughters basic and lasting skills for working around the house and the necessity for furthering their education and becoming life-long learners. “Basic” home skills included but were not limited to: cutting grass, landscaping, sanding/cutting wood, building, planting, weeding, and harvesting gardens, painting, laying tile and of course laying roof shingles. He loved to share stories of his early childhood with his children (many of which were embellished for special effects)...Yeah Boy!! He even created short and funny songs to make them laugh and help them overcome their fears. His daughters always appreciated him for the lessons he taught them and how he and their mother guided them into becoming independent women.

Jody took pride in providing a beautiful home for his family. His hobbies of carpentry and “DIY” came in handy in this regard. His approach to tasks was to first learn, then do-it-yourself and ultimately teach others. He was a “Handy Man” in the truest sense of the word. Jody was very generous with his talents and sought to help others whenever he could. He also enjoyed his wife’s cooking, working on miniature trains, learning how things worked, building things and in his later years, going on cruises with family and friends. Jody was committed to spending quality time with those he loved, particularly his nieces and nephews. Jody was quiet, gentle, kind, funny, practical, reliable and he loved his entire family, friends and above all, the Lord.

Jody graduated from Flint Central High School in 1969. He attended Wayne State University, College of Pharmacy, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, following in his father’s footsteps. Jody worked as a pharmacy intern in his father’s store with most of his siblings and his wife. While in school, Jody found that his niche was in hospital-based pharmacy. Jody worked as an intern at Highland Park General Hospital and Pontiac General Hospital. After graduating, Jody found what he thought was a temporary job at Hurley Medical Center Inpatient Pharmacy in Flint, MI. The pharmacy at that time was in its infancy as today’s standards go. Jody along with some very special colleagues developed the pharmacy in services and in size into one of the better hospital pharmacies in the state of Michigan. During his time at Hurley, he had the distinct privilege of mentoring pharmacy staff. Mr. Williams retired from Hurley Medical Center as the Assistant Director of Pharmacy after more than 36 years of service in October of 2013.  As the hard-working man that he was and due to his commitment to Christian education for his children, Jody also worked several additional jobs at Perry’s Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy, FOH and Intensiva. He was a member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. Never one to be idle, during his retirement in Poinciana, FL, Jody decided to obtain his real estate license. He then began working for Right Track Realty. He enjoyed this job immensely as he had a knack for understanding the “bones” of a house and a vision for what would be possible given a minor remodel or major renovation. This endeavor had the added bonus of being able to work alongside his wife Marva as partners.

Jody and his wife Marva were active members of the Fairhaven Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Flint, Michigan. Over the years, he served the Lord in multiple positions to include: Head Deacon, Sabbath School Teacher, Stewardship leader, Treasurer, and choir member. After retirement and moving to Florida, Jody and his wife found another beautiful community of Christian friends and continued working for the Lord at the Poinciana Seventh-Day Adventist Church where he served on both the finance and building committees. He was also an active member of the Faith-Walkers Bible Study Group, Road Runners and African Heritage Cultural Club in the Solivita Community where they lived. 

Joseph Harvey Williams was a devoted husband, proud father, loving son, amazing uncle, great cousin, cherished friend, awesome mentor, respected colleague and best of all… faithful servant of the Lord. His final earthly sunset was on August 13, 2023.

Joseph Harvey Williams will leave to cherish his memories: his devoted and loving wife of 49 years Marva Williams; his daughters Amanda Nicole Williams, Stephanie Joann Williams and Helen Elizabeth Amber Williams; grand-daughter Serenity Collier; Siblings Dorian Byrd (Palmer), Asbury T. Williams, Jr. (Esther), Candace Williams, Gregory Williams and David Williams; sisters-in-law Robin Gates, Susan Miller, Sheery Houston, Lana Houston, Lisa Watkins; brothers-in-law Stevie Horton, Charles Armstrong (Sharon); Mother-in-law Elenora Watkins; Aunt & Uncle Effie & Clarence Whitmore; Best friends Shelton & Gloria Davidson; Cousins Helen Williams, Karen Weaver, Joseph L. Williams, Mark Williams, Stacy Bingham, Bryan Williams, LauRyn Williams, Quentin Williams, John Williams, Kevin Williams, Kimarie Williams, Douglas Williams, Stacy McAfee, Jerry Carter, Sharon Thomas, Mary Shankle, Byron Bethea, Carol Bethea, Jimmy Bethea, Eddie Crockett, Edwina Crockett, Rosemarie Crocket; a host of nieces and nephews that were near and dear to him: Olivia (Harley, Brayden), Jonathan (John, James), Jennifer, Bridget (CJ, Alli, Liam), Briana (Touie, Jemison), Erinn, Justin, Gabriel (Dotty Ru), Ayanna, Antonio, Shiquise (JaQuail, Mark), Kimacka (Kadell Jr, Kyran, Kimaya), Natalie (Nathan, Naomi), Taia (T’Erris, Tairiel, Terreona), Brian (Brianna), Julie (Christian, Asia), Joshua (Asher, Canon), Amaya… And many additional family, close friends and church family.  

Joseph Harvey Williams was preceded in death by his: father Asbury Theodore Williams, Sr; mother Dorothy Harvey Williams; cousin Wendell Williams; best friends Sam & Judy Key, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and other family. 

Service Details:

An Hour of Fellowship and Reflection will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Poinciana Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Poinciana Seventh Day Adventist Church 4948 Old Pleasant Hill Road Kissimmee, FL 34759.

To join the Celebration of Life service virtually, please click on the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/KobScvccuTM?si=cOHnS3lKSSgcPTuG

Travel & Accommodations:

Nearest Airport:  Orlando International Airport (MCO), ~45-60 min away 

1. Alhambra at Poinciana (by Diamond and Hilton resorts) 

• 1 BR, 2 BR and studio condos
• CLOSEST (5 min from church and home)
• Rates ranging from $75- 120/night for non-refundable.  Refundable rates are higher.
• Address: 500 Cypress Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34759
• Phone: 407-933-0700, 407-870-5412, 800-438-2929

2.  Hampton Inn Orlando – Maingate South

• 30 min from church and home
• Rates from $139-175/night
• Address: 44117 US Hwy 27, Davenport, FL 33987
• Phone: 863-420-9898

3.  Holiday Inn Express - Orlando South 

• 30 min from church and home
• Rates from $130-140/night
• Address: 4050 Hotel Dr. Davenport, FL 33897
• Phone: 863-420-6611

4. Air BnB and VRBO options available nearby. Please visit respective app or website.  

*** All rates subject to change. Please contact hotel, condo or company directly. 

Richard Funeral Services