Joseph Williams: May 16, 1938 - August 13, 2026

Joseph James Williams, Sr. was born on May 16, 1938, in Waco, Texas, to Nora E. and Annie B. Williams. He was the youngest of ten children. He resided in Houston, Texas, under the care of his aunt Maggie until he was six years old, after which he returned to McGregor to live with his family. At that same age, he became a member of Roberson Chapel A.M.E. Church. He attended George Washington Carver Schools in McGregor, Texas, and graduated as Valedictorian in 1957.

Brother Williams continued his pursuit of excellence and knowledge by enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin, becoming the first Black student from McGregor to do so. There, he excelled academically while double-majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics. Despite this heavy academic load, Joseph pledged as part of the charter line for the Epsilon Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He graduated from UT Austin in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Joseph, affectionately referred to as “Big Joe,” returned home to McGregor to teach Chemistry and Math at George Washington Carver. He also served as the head Football Coach until the schools integrated in 1966.

Mr. Williams used his gifts to educate youth at Moore High School in Waco, TX from 1967 to 1972 and then the University High School from 1972 to 1974. He taught at University High School in Waco for one year, and then he completed his role of educator at Tennison Junior High School.

Joseph first dated his childhood love, Rose Boson, over 72 years ago. After an extensive courtship, they united in marriage on June 6, 1964. To this union was born an outstanding son, Joseph James Williams II. 

Switching careers, Joseph founded and ran his own construction company. He was so successful that the City of McGregor employed him to serve as its Building Rehabilitation Coordinator. His primary responsibility was repairing houses within the community and bringing them up to city code. His excellence at this job resulted in him being promoted to become the City Housing Inspector in 1981.  

Over the years, Joseph added more titles to his tool belt to include: City Waste and Water Superintendent and Public Works Director. Brother Williams retired from working for the city in 2001.

As a contractor, Joseph served as the architect and builder of the Roberson Chapel Church, Fellowship Hall, and Parsonage. Nearly all of this construction was done by him alone.

Brother Williams was a pillar of Roberson Chapel AME Church. He was a very active member and served as the Chairman of the Steward Board, where he led and championed programs and activities to help the church prosper. He served as an Usher and also made the communion bread for the church using a secret recipe that has never been duplicated. He and his wife, Rose, also ran the Food Committee, which provided much-needed meals to underserved seniors in East McGregor for nearly three decades.

A quiet man by nature, Joseph let his actions and commitment speak the loudest. If there was a need in the community, Joseph was there to help by repairing homes in need, providing meals to the hungry, and providing rides to those who had no cars so that they could vote.

Joseph was a member of McGregor’s first Volunteer Ambulance Department. As a certified paramedic, he rode in ambulances and provided vital emergency care to residents in McGregor, Oglesby, and Crawford. He also served as president of this organization for several years.

Joseph was also a member of the Mason Lodge Post 321.

Joseph was an active member of the Epsilon Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Waco, TX for over 55 years. He served in numerous capacities including President (on numerous occasions), treasurer, and historian. Joseph was a “Life Member.” He was awarded Alpha’s 50- and 60-year membership pins.

Joseph and his wife, Rose, worked tirelessly in creating themes and projects to develop future men and women in the Waco /McGregor area.  

Joseph was an active and valuable member of the Rotary Club for over three decades. He could be found working at every Pancake Supper until his health started to decline.

Joseph served as a charter member of the James Jameison Civic League. After integration, he played an integral role in getting a bus for the minority children of East McGregor to have transportation to McGregor Schools.

Joseph was the President of the Carver Alumni Association for the duration of its existence. Founded in 1982, this organization held bi-yearly reunions bringing graduates of GW Carver from all 50 states for a three-day celebration. Under Joseph’s leadership, this organization awarded over 20 scholarships to McGregor students desiring to go to college.   

Of all of his accomplishments, awards, and contributions, Joseph’s greatest devotion was to his family. His love for his family compelled him to return home after graduating from the University of Texas despite having several lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

As an architect, he designed and helped build houses for his sister and brother. Those houses are still standing today.

Most importantly, he built and renovated the house he and Rose lived in.

Joseph was born to the late Nora E. Williams, Sr. and Annie B. Williams. He was the youngest of six siblings. He was preceded in death by his siblings: George B. Williams, Zelma B. Reed, Maggie B. Perry, Nora E. Williams, Jr., and Willie F. Williams, Sr.

Joseph was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Rose Williams, who also preceded him in death. Their love and commitment to one another remain an important part of the family’s cherished memories.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his son, Joseph J. Williams, II. (Charity), and his bonus son, Miles Adanandus. He was a loving and devoted grandfather to Khole Jackson, who preceded him in death, as well as Joseph J. Williams, III, Jatoria Williams, Kile McCann, Ciara Jackson, Deion Williams, and Nalorie McCann. He also leaves to cherish his memory his bonus grandson, Adrienne Allen.

Joseph’s legacy continues through a host of great-grandchildren, who will carry his memory and the love he shared with his family into future generations.

He will also be lovingly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. Each person who knew Joseph carries a special memory of his life and the impact he made on those around him.

Joseph J. Williams, Sr. will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends, and his legacy of love will continue through the generations.

Services are planned for 12 pm on Saturday, August 22 at Roberson Chapel AME Church in McGregor.