Joe Willie Young

Joe Willie Young was born to the late Floyd Young and Anna Hampton on April 1, 1932, in Lafayette County, Mississippi.

Joe Willie was a former member of Providence United Methodist Church in Abbeville, MS and later joined Hamilton Chapel CME Church in Waterford, MS, where he remained a member until his death.

In 1952, he married Onedia Buford and to this union five children were born. On February 29, 1980, Joe married Annie Byers of Waterford, MS.

Joe retired from the Beacon restaurant in Oxford, MS after over 30 years of service where he worked as a chef. After retiring from the Beacon, he became a foster grandparent with the ICS Head Start System and Northeast Mississippi Regional Center for mentally and physically disabled children. He found the mentoring program to be very rewarding personally and was excited to work with the children daily. He enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves, and wrestling during his free time. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed it to the utmost. Joe loved meeting new people.

Joe Willie leaves to cherish his memories; his children, Donny (Verretta) Young of Tallahassee, FL, Mark (Carolyn) Byers of Nolensville, TN, Jo Linda Young, Floretta Young-Clark, Eunetia Faye Young all of Oxford, MS, Robin Jeffries of Waterford, MS and Denoris Berry of Jackson, TN; 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; siblings, Cleotha (Ann) Young of Davenport, IA, Jamie Lee (Ruby) Young both of Oxford, MS, Jerline Pitts, Bernice Lewis both of Abbeville, MS, Mary (Gary) Campbell; 2 close friends, Clarence Sanders “Buddy” of Abbeville, MS and Ernest Campbell, Jr. of Marion, IN and a host of loving nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by both wives, two sons; Wilbert Houston and Alvin Byers; two daughters, Gloria Jean Young-Stokes and Vera Byers-Waldon; 5 brothers, Sam Armstrong, Levi Young, RC Young, Robert Young, and Willie Young; 4 sisters, Sammie Lee Allen, Wadie Mae Young, Betsy Lee Jenkins and Annie Mae Smith.