Mr. Willie Joe Green

Mr. Willie Joe Green, age 86, went home to the Lord and his wife on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2016. His passing occurred after a lengthy illness, with his daughter and family by his side. Born in Griffin, Georgia on September 21, 1930, Willie was the son of the late Willie R. and Luna (Holland) Green. He relocated to Utica in the late 1940’s. In 1963 he married the former Geraldine Hunt with whom he shared 53 years. They were an unbelievable couple who joined forces not only as parents to their daughter, but they also opened their home and hearts to many. Geraldine passed away on January 31, 2015. Willie worked as a brick mason for the City of Utica Department of Public Works for 45 years, retiring in 1996. He was beloved by many and the friendships he made were honored for years after. Whether at home, at work, or with friends, Willie was a fun-loving, outgoing gentleman guided by rules and good values. In 2004 he accepted Christ, and in 2016 he was baptized. He was renewed and blessed with a sense of wonder and wisdom of God’s grace that was always in his heart and mind but became more evident after his baptism. He was a member of the Gospel Light Baptist Church and shared a reverent relationship with Pastor Jody Martin. Willie was a daddy among daddies, and in his daughter’s eyes it was “Just me and my dad”. He was the world to her. Willie tended his Brinckerhoff home garden with a great touch. He had it all and he had it hooked up with a cold beer for everyone after a hot day’s gardening. He also dressed to impress, always with a coordinated hat. Everybody loved Sundays with the Grill Master as he ‘put his toe in it’ and made his favorite fare, ribs and collard greens, delicious enough to make you “smack your momma”. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends and cast a line in many lakes and oceans. He also hunted deer, squirrel, and rabbit. He enjoyed many years of bowling in various leagues, including the ABC league. Willie was a man for all seasons of life, 24/7. Willie is survived by his daughter, Diane J. Judware; his grandchildren, Terry and Monica Green, Janie Green, Michael Green, and Ijeoma “EJ” Isu; his great-grandchildren, Shaheed, Destiny, Kyara, Jasmine, Jahfyia, Justyce, and Marcellus; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Sue and Moses Sparks, and Andre Green; and his sister-in-law Gloria Lee Green. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his best friends, Mr. Pop and Mrs. Caroline. He was predeceased by his brother, Jessie H.; and his sisters, Evelyn, and Rose. The family extends sincere thanks to Pastor Jody and his wife Jan for their generosity, support, and kindness. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 3rd from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Willie’s Home Going celebration will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Jody Martin officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in New Forest Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Willie Joe Green

September 21, 1930 - November 24, 2016