"To my dearest family and friends, some things I’d like to say, but first of all, to let you know that I arrived in heaven okay. Here I rejoice with God and all our relatives and friends. There are no tears, pain or sadness, only eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight, remember that I’m with you every morning, noon, and night. The day I had to leave you when my life was through, God picked me up, hugged me and said, “I welcome you.” I’m free, don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day; To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of the day. If parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my times seemed all too brief; Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free."

Joseph Quinn “Joe” Williams, 77, a native of Chipola, LA and a resident of Slaughter, LA, died on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at his home. He was retired, after working for Dixon Correctional Institute, the West Feliciana Sheriff’s Office, and the Northlake Illinois Police Dept. Visitation will be Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Zachary, LA, from 5pm until 8pm and then on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 9am until funeral services at 11am, conducted by Pastor David R. McIntyre and Brother Basil Wicker. Burial will be in the Second Baptist Church Cemetery in Jackson, LA. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judith “Judy” Larsen Williams; four daughters: Cindy McCartney and husband Kelvin McCartney; Kris Horsley and companion Rodney Brown; Dawn Bellue Lee and husband Bart Lee; Kathy Spangler and husband Mike Spangler; one sister, Dorothy Paulette Holden and husband Thomas Dalton Holden of Jackson LA; one brother, Marvin “Bo” Williams and wife Shirley Williams of Jackson; thirteen grandchildren: Tommy Bellue, Justin Bellue, Joseph Kirk Havard, Corey Havard, Dakota Havard, Joseph Michael Spangler, Joseph Horsley, Cassidy Stiles, Courtney Whittington, Kaleigh Havard, Mikalyn Spangler, Ryan McCartney, Caleb Lee; five great-grandchildren: Madi Bellue, Kinley Bellue, Kinsley Whittington, Koryn McCartney, Mason McCartney; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie “Ovis” Williams and mother Edna Pearl Allen Williams. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Dan Johnson, David Johnson, Mike Spangler, Kelvin McCartney, Bart Lee, Rodney Brown, Marvin “Bo” Williams, Thomas Dalton Holden, Taylor Whittington, Chase Thomas, Jessie Rymer, Randy Holden, Bo Williams Jr. and James London. He was a veteran of the US Navy. He was a graduate of McKowen High School and Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, and the Police Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois. A special thanks to Kelly Davis, Alex Ard, and the Slaughter Volunteer Fire Department. He lived his life for his children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank his special friend Lorraine Davis and the staff with hospice. They also wish to thank Dr. Kakarala and his his staff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Department of Corrections Credit Union-Jackson Branch.