Joe Louis Oliver was born August 10, 1938, in Orangeburg South Carolina. He was the only child of Louise Oliver Edwards and Walter Edwards. Joe received his formal education in the Orangeburg Public School System. He graduated from Orangeburg Wilkinson High School and later attended Junior College, in Denmark, SC where he also played the sport of his passion, football. After migrating to New York in 1961, he worked several different jobs before earning his CDL license, and securing a position at Porky Products as a truck driver, and also serving as the union Shop Steward. Driving his 18 wheeler was a source of pride and joy for Joe. Unfortunately, due to an accident on the job he loved, Joe had to take early retirement in 2001. Joe was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Edna Mae Davis on June 28th, 1958. To this union three children were born, Darren, who preceded him in death, Pamela and Duane. Joe was the pillar of his family. Along with his loving and supportive wife they built a home filled with unconditional love. He was a strong man with a soft heart who always put the needs of his family first, but always had more of himself to share. The doors were always open at the Oliver household where blood is not required to be called family. You could see Joe at any given time on his front porch greeting all who walked by and always ready for conversation. At an early age, Joe was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church, in Orangeburg, SC. In the early 70's Joe and Edna were invited to Shiloh Baptist Church for an event by Sis. Francis Tillman. It was here that they felt welcomed and later joined under the leadership of Reverend John K. Brewington. Joe was a very active member, as he served on the Usher Board, Trustee Board, Male Chorus, Pastors Assistance, and Helping Hand Ministries. He also served as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and as Chairman of the Diaconate Board. Joe loved his Shiloh home and most of all, his Shiloh Family. Joe was also a member of The Friends of Roy Wilkins Park, which held a special place in his heart. Joe was a man who "talked the talk and walked the walk"! He always gave of himself doing all he could to meet the needs of others to the best of his ability. Known to have the gift of gab, conversations could be never ending. He loved people, and people loved him, but his greatest love was God! His love for God, and His Word carried Joe through many trying times. We can only imagine the ongoing conversations he is having in Heaven right now with his Brother in Love, J. Lynn Martin. Being in the presence of our Savior could only quiet that conversation. Joe made his transition early Friday morning October 14, 2016. He leaves to cherish the memories of his life: his loving and devoted wife of 58yrs, Edna Oliver, 2 children, daughter, Pamela Oliver-Letang, and son, Duane Oliver, 2 daughters in- law, Karen Bean-Oliver, and Nadia Oliver, 1 son in-law, David Letang, 4 grandchildren; Atiah Letang, Elias Letang, Caleb Oliver and Leah Oliver, one sister-in-law, Lillie Ann Johnson and one brother-in-law, Marion Davis, 2 aunts, Lizzie Bowman Gusney and Dorothy Williams, 1 uncle, Glenn Davis, special cousin, Vertell Forrest and family, sister-in-love, Wilhelmenia Martin and family, daughters-in-love, Lisa Kinley and Robin DeFreitas and doting daughters-in-love Lynette Wilson and Shatanyaer Pitt, the entire Davis family that includes; nieces, nephews and cousins, his beloved Shiloh family, his 224th Street family and a host of extended family and friends. Known affectionately as Papa and Grandpa by many, Joe also leaves behind many sons, daughters, and grandchildren-in-love, too numerous to name. Just know that you touched him in a special way, and he loved you all. Joe Oliver truly loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During service, his voice would resound with praise, and his hands would clap with joy. The words to his favorite song summed it up for him: I’LL TELL THE WORLD WHEREVER I GO, THAT I’VE FOUND A SAVIOR, AND HE’S SWEET I KNOW!