Sunrise: His: February 27,1952 Hers: March 22, 1952
Sunset: June 08, 2026
The Life of Tee & Sandra Williams Joe Edward Williams, Sr. was born on February 27, 1952, to QC. Williams and Eloise Hyson Williams in Franklin, Texas. Joe graduated from Franklin High School as a proud Franklin Lion. He was known for his strong work ethic from an early age, beginning his first job at a steel company at the age of 16 while still in high school.
Sandra Mae Wade Williams was born March 22, 1952, to L.D. Wade and Jessie Mae Gamble Wade in Hearne, Texas. Sandra started school as a proud Blackshear Bear and finished as a mighty Hearne Eagle. Joe was living with his Uncle Zephaniah Hyson in Hearne, Texas, while Sandra lived down the street with her parents. One day, Sandra caught Joe’s eye as she was walking. Joe drove up beside her in his brown Monte Carlo and asked her out. She said yes-and the rest is history.
Joe worked for Sears, Roebuck and Company beginning in 1977 and later retired from Crane Plumbing. Sandra dedicated 36 years of service to Hearne ISD.
Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and service to others. Their marriage was a testament to commitment, perseverance, and unconditional love. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, creating a legacy that will continue for generations.
Joe and Sandra were members of Little Flock Missionary Baptist Church and also attended Trinity Baptist Church, where they found strength in their faith and fellowship with their church family.
Their love for God was reflected in the way they cared for others, welcomed family and friends, and lived their daily lives. Whether it was Sandra walking through the neighborhood collecting contributions for families who had lost loved ones, or Joe taking friends home from sporting and school events when transportation was needed, their greatest joy was always their family.
Joe and Sandra’s home was filled with love, laughter, wisdom, and support. Sandra enjoyed teaching her nieces and nephews how to play spades and games like Red Light, Green Light, while Joe delighted in teaching them how to race and ride bicycles. They were known for their kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family.
The lessons they taught, the memories they created, and the love they shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew them. While we mourn the loss of these two remarkable people, we celebrate the extraordinary life they built together and the lasting impact they made on their family, friends, and community. Their love story, spanning five decades, will continue to inspire those who were blessed to witness it. You can still hear Joe affectionately saying, “That’s my Pookum,” and Sandra lovingly responding, “I prayed for that man.”
As their journey on earth comes to an end, the lyrics from one of their favorite songs remain loud and clear: “Honey, you are my shining star. Don’t you go away, oh baby. Wanna be right here where you are until my dying day.” – “Shining Star” by The Manhattans.”
Joe and Sandra were preceded in death by one another; siblings: James Wade, Kenneth Wade, Osie Williams, Joe Carl Williams, Roy Dell Williams, Johnny Ray Williams, Carol Williams, Rosa Lee Williams Kneeland, Mae Francis Williams Stewart, Weldon Jackson, Jimmie Dee Williams, Charlie Rasheed Williams, and Winston Ray Williams.
They are lovingly remembered by their daughter, Nickie Williams; and their son, Joe Edward Williams, Jr. They were proud grandparents of Alanna Nicole Chavez (Joey) and Nicholas Alan McDaniel (Skyler). They were also blessed with a great-grandson, Wade MeDaniel, and were eagerly anticipating the arrival of two additional great-grandchildren.
They are also remembered by their stepmother, Annie Wade; surviving sisters, Peggy Ann Williams Mata (Isidro, Peggy Joyce Williams, Sheryl Wade White (Gary), and D’Andre Wade Alexander (Tommy); sisters-in-law: Marilyn Wade and Doris Williams; surviving brothers, Gerald Wade (Laura), Roderick Wade (Jennifer), and Trevor Wade; one aunt, Mamie Wade; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.