Jovita Joy Williams

A lifelong resident of Needles, Jovita gave her time and steady care to the people and places that mattered most. In her early years, she was active in the Needles Church of the Nazarene, serving as the business record keeper—maintaining the Alabaster boxes and donations—while also lending her voice to the choir and cooking for various events. Her presence was one of dependable service, offered quietly and faithfully.

Jovita graduated in 1958 from Union High School in Needles, California. She later devoted herself to home and family life, and she also cooked for the Boys and Girls Club, extending her care beyond her own household and into the wider community.

She enjoyed attending and supporting Fort Mojave tribal community events, and in her later years she remained active with the Fort Mojave Indian tribe Elder Chair Volleyball program. As acting team captain for the “Killer Bees,” Jovita continued to show up with commitment and spirit, offering encouragement and leadership in ways both practical and heartfelt.

Jovita was preceded in death by her son, Corrigan S. Williams; her husband, Gordon G. Williams; her parents, Lute and Frances Wilbur Stillman; her sisters, Jeanette Otero, Alberta Stillman, Sylvia Arteaga, and Lorena Harvey; and her brother, Courtney Stillman Sr.

She is survived by her granddaughters, Dora Williams (Mohave Valley, AZ), Myra Miranda (Tennessee), Eva Margarita, and Amber Castillo (Fort Mohave, AZ). She is also survived by Bruce Williams and family, Doreena Contrearas and family, and Karen Cabanillas and family.

Jovita will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who knew her. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Church services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, 4pm at Fort Mojave Tribal Gymnasium located at 500 Merriman St., Needles, CA. Traditional services will follow at the Fort Mojave Mourning Hall, 700 Harrison St. Needles, CA. Cremation will commence on Saturday, May 9, 2026, 4am at Fort Mojave Cemetery.