Rev. Joe Melvin Charles Williams, Sr.

Please find the online program here: https://documents.tributeprinting.com/Joe-Williams-Sr/ 

Reverend Joe Melvin Charles Williams, Sr. was born on July 10, 1949, in Bastrop, Texas, to Annie Bell Houston and Lawrence C. Williams (Jake).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Bertha Mathis "Red", Rosie Lee Mathis Turnipseed "Sam", L.C. Williams, Jr. "Bugger", Willie Mae Hartley "Duttie", and James Charles Williams "Pie Joe"; and grandson, Ronnie R. Rhodes.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Rev. Vernetta L. Williams; his daughters, Nykki Williams Arowoshola (Oluwafemi) and Joanna Williams; his son, Joe M. Williams, Jr. (Sandy). He is also survived by his only remaining sister, Mary L. Mitchell; his grandchildren, Jonetta Williams-Fisher, David Williams, and Eriqua Williams; as well as bonus children and grandchildren, Robert Brisco, Rose and Robert Hawkins, Felicia Reed, Cassandra Hawkins, Dimitri Turnipseed, and Crystal Hawkins. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will continue to honor his life and legacy.

Life and Ministry

Reverend Williams accepted Christ at the Church of New Testament under Brother Bill Jones and was later ordained as a deacon.

He answered the call to ministry and began preaching the Gospel under the leadership of Reverend L. B. Evans in Bastrop, Texas. Reverend Williams was officially ordained into the ministry by Reverend L. B. Evans on April 26, 1990, at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas.

Rev. Williams faithfully served in several ministries before becoming the Pastor of Bastrop Church of New Beginnings. Under his leadership, the first church service was held on November 4, 2001.

In addition to his ministry, Reverend Williams was employed by the Austin Independent School District, where he faithfully worked until his retirement on December 31, 2000.

A visitation with family and friends will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bastrop Church of New Beginnings, 256 Green Valley Dr. in Bastrop. A service of celebration will be held at The Gathering, 287 FM 20 in Bastrop, on Saturday, April 11, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Williams will be laid to rest following the celebration at Shiloh Cemetery.