Joanna Williams

 Joanna Crosby Williams entered her eternal rest in the Lord on Thursday, October 28, 2021.  Joanna believed God’s Word,  “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  (Revelation 21:3-4)

Joanna was born October 14, 1943, in Laurel Mississippi. She was the daughter of Woodrow Wilson and Katherine Dukes.  She was raised by Uncle  J T (Poppa T) and Aunt Sallie Ducksworth.

Joanna attended Vocational High School in Bay Spring, Mississippi. After she and her sister, Zepher Crosby, moved to Danville, Illinois, both sisters joined the Richard Crosby Singers.  Joanna loved singing and was known for singing at Sunday afternoon worship services, funerals, revivals and wherever the Gospel of Jesus Christ was being proclaimed. She founded the Spiritual Rejoicers singing group, the Spiritual Rejoicers not only sang in the Danville area, but also traveled far and near praising God in song. 

Joanna was employed at the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency for many years and was fondly called “Jo” by her co-workers.  Joanna was also known as “Evangelist Joanna Williams” throughout the Danville area.  Joanna was a member of the Carter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where she served faithfully until her health declined.  In 2007, Joanna was ordained in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as Local Deacon, hereafter, Rev Joanna Williams.  Titles were not important to Joanna; she just wanted to preach and sing about the goodness of God. She was often requested to sing “Jesus, how I love to call your name”.  By the time she finished singing this song, the spirit of God had moved throughout the congregation.  Joanna was a member of the Senior Choir at Carter but, if the Young Adult Choir or the Gospel Choir were singing, she would sing with that choir. 

Joanna leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Zepher Crosby, nephew, Steve Crosby, great nephews, Sean Crosby, Marquis Crosby, great nieces, Kianna Crosby and Brianna Crosby, church family and a  host of friends.

Joanna was preceded in death by her parents, an uncle, and an aunt.

Special thanks to her caregivers, Bernetta King, Angela Clark, and her sister, Zepher Crosby.

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon on Friday November 5, 2021 at Carter Metropolitan C.M.E Church, 448 E. Williams St. Danville IL. 61832. Eulogist: Minister Brenda Brown. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Sping Hill Cemetery.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday November 4, 2021 from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 pm at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St.

Masks will be required.

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