Minister Joe I. Gillis

Joe Ingram Gillis was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on March 24, 1949. He is the third child to the union of Ida and McKinley Gillis. As a child, Joe’s light shined bright and it was discernable that he was blessed with the smart gene. His siblings state that he was the smartest of the crew and he would use his intelligence to navigate through life. Joe came from a tight knit family, and he loved to hang out with his father where he picked up many talents like cooking, and reupholstering furniture.

He grew up in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Shreveport. Throughout his youth, he enjoyed playing guitar, basketball, and following his older brothers around, and eventually joining them to play basketball on the same varsity team. After graduating from Union High School, in August of 1966, Joe pursued his undergraduate degree at Grambling State University with hopes of becoming a physical education teacher. Summer of 1969 while working in the cafeteria, he met the love of his life and future wife, Deloris Brooks. There was no secret he was in love and within three short months he had saved up enough money to purchase a ring and proposed. On December 25, 1971, he married his “chocolate chip” and the rest is history…

The Gillis’ moved to Seattle, Washington and within no time they started a family. “Mighty Joe” had now become a “Gentle Giant” and wholeheartedly committed his life to becoming the best husband and father that he knew how to be. In 1972, they gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, Joseph Gillis Sr.; Joe was so excited that he bought Joseph a mink teddy bear. In 1975, they were blessed with a daughter, their beautiful “babydoll”, Jennifer Gillis. Joe made a vow to lead his family by precept and example. He was more than a provider. He became a workaholic and made a pact with his wife that he would go to work and take care of the family and she would take care of the children. Being a man of his word, he did just that.

Joe was a selfless man, often working two jobs to provide for his family. His intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit led him into many different business ventures including videography, video editing, janitorial services and eventually opening Gillis & Associates, a private practice where he served as a well-respected Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Joe worked as a Mental Health Counselor for the Department of Corrections until he retired in 2002. Education was an important part of Joe’s life. He obtained a Master of Counseling from Seattle University in 1981. In addition, he continued his education earning several certifications in Drug & Alcohol Abuse, PTSD, and Marriage & Family Counseling.

When not working, Joe spent his time at home, with his family. He loved to cook, and he was a master griller. He could grill some mean ribs! Not to mention his infamous dressing, sweet potato, and pecan pies that he crafted from scratch. The family will never forget the Sunday dinners with smothered chicken and all the fixings.

Trustworthy, patient, kind, honest, loving, and integrity are some words used to describe Joe. However, many can argue that he was the perfect example of a Wonderful Counselor. Joe spent his life being a good and faithful servant following Christ. Although he was raised Baptist, in 1987 he rededicated his life to the Lord at Lighthouse Temple COGIC under the leadership of Mother Gertrude and Superintendent James Young. Joe soon became a Deacon and then in 2001 he became a licensed Minister.  Minister Joe Gillis was without doubt a God-fearing man. He was committed to preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Being a man of few words, every word he uttered had meaning. When he spoke, people listened.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Joe would always have a wise word to share. He spent his last days on earth giving what he called his “last sermons” to his family. He ensured that he made right of any wrongs with them and encouraged them to forgive and love one another. May his legacy continue.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Father, McKinley Gillis Sr. and Mother, Ida Mae Gillis; Siblings: Sister, Emma Lou Gillis and Brother, Richard Gillis.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Deloris Gillis; Two adoring children: Joseph Gillis Sr. and Jennifer Edmonds (Husband David Edmonds) McKinney, TX; Five beautiful Grandchildren: Anitra Gillis, Joseph Gillis Jr., Dylan Edmonds, Daxton Edmonds, and Dawson Edmonds; Two Great Grandchildren: King Josiah Gillis and Aa’Jon McCoy. Brothers: McKinley Gillis (Wife Kimberly Gillis) of Indianapolis, IN, Willie Gillis (Wife Antoinette Gillis) of Cedar Hill, TX and Stephen Gillis of Shreveport, LA., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.

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