MR. JOSEPH WHITE

Joseph Benson White was born March 1, 1961 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the seventh child and second son born to the union of Johnny B. White and Dora Mae Murdock White of Michigan City, Mississippi.

The Whites are a close-knit family, deeply rooted in Christian values.  Joe accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in 1972 at St. Jude Deliverance Center by pastor, Bishop Joe Price.  As a child his Christian foundation was nurtured at home and by attended Sunday school and singing in the choir at Unity Baptist Church, St. Jude Deliverance Center, and Shiloh Baptist Church.

During his early teen years, Joe began learning and applying many skills under the tutelage of his father which included auto mechanics and the playing the guitar.  In 1998, the family formed the White Family Gospel Singers where Joe played the lead guitar, traveling throughout the country. He was known for his anointed soulful guitar artistry, he wrote many songs including one entitled, "Jesus Is The Right Way", after hearing his mother  humming a tune. Joe also formed his own group called “The Love Angles” where his children expressed their musical talents and co-wrote many songs with him.  They were members of New Greater Jerusalem Temple of Truth, Bishop Herman H. Davis, Indianapolis, Indiana,  where his guitar was how he ministered, and he used it to exemplify his love for the Lord.

As a child, Joe was always by his mother’s side, acknowledged by his siblings as being “The Favorite.” He attended Indianapolis Public Schools and graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. Throughout his life he was known for being a fun loving prankster, always upbeat, the life of the party, and making everyone feel welcome.

As a young man Joe was introduced to the craft of concrete by Ronald Coleman of Coleman & Sons and then went on to hone his craft with Liosi-Page and Corbitt & Sons Construction. When his brothers enlisted to the military, Joe said, “Don’t look at me, I’m not going, I’m staying home to take care of the girls”, and that is exactly what he accomplished.  During this time he was perfecting his concrete trade skills which proved to be valuable later in starting his own business.

In August of 1985 Joe met Michelle Hudson.  Michelle recalls in one of their first conversations Joe said he had prayed for a woman like her to make his wife, and had a dreamt of her before they met. Michelle recalls being skeptical because he was as she defined, “the most beautiful man she had ever seen.”  Her skepticism was short lived because from that day forward they have been inseparable on their life journey for nearly 37 years.

Joe took great pride in making Michelle his wife and being a father to Mike, Aunyae’, Joe, Ciera, and Jazmine.  Each of them were the jewels in his crown.

Joe was entrepreneur. While residing on Parker Street he owned J. White Auto Service where his motto was “To be sure that it’s right - get it done by J. White”.  This was the spring board that allowed him and Michelle to open Unique Décor Ceramics - Fashions For Your Home and later Concrete King, LLC.  After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Joe made the bold decision to relocate his business and his family to New Orleans, Louisiana to assist in rebuilding. Joe and Little Joe made the move first and the family moved soon after. While in New Orleans, Concrete King LLC became J Global Concrete Specialist   often subcontracted by Rev. John White the business flourished. Joe was also able to continue sharing his anointed musical gifts with several churches, including Greater St. Luke where they were members. 

In 2012, Joe and Michelle opened Dora Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, where Joe and his band played on weekends.  This too was a family affair where Aunyae’, Ciera, and Jazmine worked alongside their parents.  Additionally, Joe opened a mechanic shop where he partnered with Jeff Cox for a time spanning 10 + years.  Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit lead him to teach and inspire others in his family to pursue becoming independent business owners.

Most recently Joe’s endeavors included renovating the dream home he and Michelle purchased, and there were plans for the entire family's involvement in the opening of Hollywood Joe’s Barbeque Heaven in New Orleans.

There was never a moment when family was not first and foremost on his mind both in his actions as well as his words.  Joe never met a stranger, believed everyone deserved a second chance, and lived his life out loud with integrity, honor and love. 

Joseph transitioned to his Heavenly being on June 1, 2022. He was preceded in his journey to Glory by his father, Johnny B. White, and a sister Novella Ann White. 

He leaves his to cherish his loving memory his mother, Dora Mae White Gladney and spouse Robert Gladeny; wife, Michelle White; children, Mike Bowers and companion Tee Battles of  Indianapolis, IN, Aunyae’ and companion Francis Lewis, Joe and companion Andrea Christian, Ciera and Bernard Meggs of New Orleans, LA, and Jazmine and companion, Travis Martin; grandchildren, Taylai Bowers of Indiana,  Dream, Heaven Angel, Journey, Legend Justice, Majesty, Treasure, Royal, Cornell Meggs, Tavon Meggs, Jaden Meggs, Nevaeh Bates, of Louisiana; siblings, Edith Mae Gaillard (Norman) of Michigan City, Mississippi. Johnnie Mae Carter (Jerome), Pastor Helen Jean Hardin, Toni Elaine Williams (Louis), Pastor Johnny B. White (aka) Jr.(Fayvette), Laura Lavon Holmes, Sanford Dewayne White (Ginny) and Jean Marie Bledsoe (Louis), a host of three generations of nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

Humbly Submitted                The Family

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of MR. JOSEPH WHITE, please visit our floral store.