Deacon Joe Willie Oliver

Of Jackson, Michigan passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with family by his side. Joe Willie Oliver was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, on September 29, 1943, to Elmira and Aaron Oliver. As a young boy, he publicly professed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior under the leadership of Rev. W.L. Morris at St. Peter MBC, in Senatobia, MS. During his teenage years, he attended Tate County High School and began working at an early age, picking cotton alongside his siblings. On July 3, 1965, in Senatobia, MS, Joe was happy to marry his late wife, Dorthy Hardrick. Later they relocated to Jackson, MI, where Joe secured employment at Brooks Foundry in Albion, MI, where he dedicated over 40 years before retiring. Joe enjoyed simple pleasures such as eating bologna, pinto beans, and cornbread. One of his favorite pastimes was traveling back home and reminiscing about his childhood. Known for his natural sense of humor, he had the ability to make those around him laugh. As an adult, Joe made a conscious decision to faithfully attend Holy Light MBC in Battle Creek, MI, where he was a committed and beloved deacon, under the leadership of his brother Rev. JC Oliver Sr. and now leader Pastor Allen Ray Bolton, He was known for singing “Jesus Is on the Main Line” during church services. He was a dedicated family man who cherished spending time with his grandchildren. On March 28, 2017, in Albion, MI, Joe was blessed to remarry his current wife, Bertha Simmons. His days were often spent reading his Bible, quoting his favorite verse, Matthew 6:9-13, (The Lord’s Prayer) enjoying his wife, engaging with family, and participating in church activities. He also enjoyed watching the news (CNN) and sports, proudly cheering for the University of Michigan with shouts of “Go Blue.” On March 15th, 2026, he departed this life at Henry Ford Hospital, in Jackson, MI, after a prolonged illness, surrounded by his loving family, Joe was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.He was preceded in death by his parents Elmira and Aaron Oliver, his late wife Dorthy Mae Oliver, his brother Robert Lee Oliver, his sister Saidie Lee Burton, his two sons Joseph and Jeffery Oliver, his daughter Amanda Oliver, his sister Fannie Mae (Bledsoe) Throgmartin and his brother in-law John Throgmartin. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his beloved wife Minister Bertha Oliver of Battle Creek, MI, His only living brother Rev. JC (Nora) Oliver Sr. of Albion, MI, his children, Patricia Oliver, Belinda Oliver, Salanda Oliver, Joey Oliver of Jackson Michigan, and Kimyahtta Morris Kizito of Battle Creek, MI, His only son in-law Allan Kizito, His sister in-law, Patricia Hardrick, brother in-law, Henry Bessie Hardrick, and Jimmy Hardrick. A special cousin (“Cudden Bo”) Special Nephew (Charles Franklin) a legacy of 27 grandchildren, with one additional grandchild on the way, along with 41 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whom he cherished dearly.

A Homegoing Service will be held on Thursday, March, 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM with family hour from 11:00 AM until time of service.