Dr. Joe LoPresti Williams' Obituary
Strong, Tenacious, Dedicated, “Doc,” “Gentle Giant,” “Uncle Joe,” “Brother,” “Daddy” and “PaPa” are just a few of the words to describe Dr. Joe LoPresti Williams. He was born in Warm Springs, GA on the 9th day of August in the year of our Lord 1952. He was the third born and the first son born to the union of Thelma Louise Pitts Williams and Joe Williams, Jr. At an early age his family left Warm Springs, GA and moved to Tulsa, OK. During his formative years he attended Ralph J Bunche and Paul Lawrence Dunbar Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated in the Class of 1970 from Central High School. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1974 with a B.A. degree in Political Science. Within one year, Joe obtained his Master’s Degree in Education from Oklahoma State University in 1975. Dr. Williams graduated in 1992 from Nova University with an EdD in Educational Leadership.On August 11, 1972, he married the love of his life Johnnie Mae Hines. He was only 20 years old and many said it would never last. Joe and Johnnie beat the odds and have enjoyed greater than 45 years of marriage. To this union they had two children a son, who passed away at birth, and a daughter Patrice Adia Williams. He also experienced the pleasure of raising an adoptive child, Rodney until his adolescent years.At an early age he was baptized into the Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) Tulsa, Oklahoma. As an adult he believed in God and was known for his good deeds for others. He loved his family and they enjoyed travelling widely. His last trip was with his family to Europe in June 2017.He began his career at Seminole Junior College in Seminole, Oklahoma as a Counselor and Director of Financial Aid. He continued his work as Director of Financial Aid at Oklahoma City Community College. He eventually made a career as an Institutional Review Specialist at the Department of Education for 25 years. Dr. Williams’ brilliant mind allowed him to develop an awesome journey as an education specialist working with federal investigative teams to scrutinize the use of federal funds at various universities and colleges.Leaving to cherish Dr. Joe L. Williams’ memory are his beloved wife of 45 years, Johnnie; daughter Patrice Adia Williams; and granddaughter Aliyah Nicole Carter. He is also survived by his siblings: Dr. Shiphrah Williams-Evans (Ken), sister; Harold Williams (Rita) brother; Kenneth Williams, (Kelly Michelle), brother; Nathan Williams (Elizabeth), brother; and Dr. Cynthia Williams Winthrop, (Edward), sister. Joe also has another brother, Justin Dean (Angie); and another sister, Bettye Jo Williams. Joe is also survived by nieces and nephews: Harold Dwayne Williams; Dr. Joy Moses (Preston); Tynisha Alexander; Aaron Michael Myers; Mason Williams; Erin Lauth (Tony); Nathan Williams Jr. (LaSonya); and Kristen Williams; Haleigh Dean, and Gavin Dean. Great nephews: Joshua Moses, Jonathan Moses, Cannon Myers, Jaxson Alexander, Roman Rasmussen, Kaden Rasmussen, Joseph Rasmussen, Braxton Ace Dean and Jalen Williams. Great nieces: Nyanna Williams, Kennedi Alexander, Alexus Williams, Savannah Williams, Aurora Williams, Stella Lauth and a host of other relatives and friend. He enjoyed a special friendship with Mr. Charles Chism who also once worked as a co-worker.A memorial service for Joe LoPresti Williams will be held on the afternoon of Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 2:30 PM in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home.Funeral arrangements for Dr. Joe LoPresti Williams have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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