Joshua "Josh" Williams of Rockford departed this earthly life January 21, 2023. He was born May 16, 1931 in Durant, MS the son of Katie McGee and Frank Tommy Williams. Joshua lived in Rockford since 1950 coming from Durant. He married the former Bessie Gipson, June 28, 1997.  Joshua was employed as a machine operator by National Lock company 30 years before their closing, and later employed by Specialty Screw 20 years before retiring. He was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church where he served as a usher. Joshua was a member of the Avalanche Boys and Senior Boys Breakfast Club at Sprint Gardens Restaurant.  He attended Durant Holmes County Training School.

Joshua leaves to cherish many loving memories, his wife, Bessie; two daughters, Joann Williams and Tarlesia (Terrance) Simmons; four sons, Archie (Mary) Williams, Jeff (Rhonda) Williams, Kenneth (Syreeta) Johnson and Dexter Johnson-Denny; 15 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; two sisters, Rosemary Bailey and Mary McCain; brother Clyde McGee; a host of other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers, Cal, G.T., Richard and J.T. McGhee; and grandson, Brooklyn Williams.

Service will be held 11:00a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Jerusalem Baptist Church 301 Klines Ave. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.