Mother Joann Williams

HER LEGACY

Joann Williams was born on June 27,1937 in Michigan City, IN to Gussie Mae Brown Myers.

She moved to Brooklyn, NY as a young adult and stayed with her Uncle Edward. While living in NY, she attended Barber school and obtained her Barber’s license. When Joann came back to Michigan City, she was the first African female Barber. She later attended nursing school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). As a nurse, Joann worked at Memorial Hospital, Westville Hospital, and Kingwood Hospital. In addition, she was an entrepreneur with her 501 (3C). She fried fish at the Oktoberfest in Michigan City for many years. Joann was also the Den Mother for the Boy Scouts troop in Eastport.

Joann gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was baptized at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Michigan City under the leadership of the founding members and her Great Aunt Emma Wilkes. She later became a Mother of Greater Powerhouse Church. In addition, she was a Mother at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ where she served faithfully to uplift others until God called her home to eternal rest.

Joann was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend. She was passionate about reading her Bible, singing, and witnessing to others. She faithfully quoted several scriptures/quotes throughout her Christian walk: For I Walk By Faith and Not by Sight, The Blood Still Works, and He’s Worthy.

Joann gained her wings January 25, 2026, at Franciscan Hospital in Michigan City, IN. She is preceded in death by her Mother: Gussie Mae Brown Myers; Maternal Grandparents: Maude and William Brown; Uncles: Robert Brown and Edward Brown; Aunts: Josephine Bush and Minetta Gooch; Cousins: Barbara Brown, Lucille Little, Roland Brown, Beverly Bush, Kenneth Bush, Robert Bush and her Grandson Antonio Jordan Serritella-Williams Joann married Ezelle Williams in Michigan City who also preceded her in death. 

She is survived by her four children: Jeffrey Williams, Jezelle Williams, Gordon (Stephanie) Williams and Gregory (Michele) Williams; Eleven grandchildren: Stefano Guess, Cailee Williams Chavez, Kamari Williams Chavez, Karilee Williams Chavez, Jerika Williams, James Williams, Carl Bryan, Shylia Williams, Breunna Williams, Alyssa Langford, and Makayla Langford; Eight great grandchildren: Angel Williams, Zariah Spires, Avianna Fields, Kayleighanna Fields, Jahrel House, Darian King, DaShaun King, and JaeLynn King. Big Sister to Her Cousins: Minnetta Brown, Joan Brown, Kevin (Betty) Gooch, Dennis Gooch, Jeri Bush, and Michelle Bush; Special Sister: Gloria Fry; Special Friends: The Golden Girls- Betty White, Susie Lawson, and Willie Mae Van; Roxie Fletcher and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Joann’s legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone who came into her life.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 AT PENTECOSTAL TEMPLE COGIC 2722 WABASH ST. MICHIGAN CITY, IN 46360, 12 NOON WITH PASTOR ROBERT JOHNSON TO BE EULOGIST. VIEWING WILL BE 11AM UNTIL TIME OF SERVICE. INTERMENT WILL BE PRIVATE. 

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