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On Friday, February 23, 2024, Elder Dr. Joe L. Colquitt departed this earth to rest in Jesus.
Joe was born, March 13, 1949 in Opelika, Alabama to the late Rev. J.L. Colquitt, Sr. and the late Essie Mae Butler Colquitt; his parents moved to Knoxville, TN when he was young. He graduated in 1967 from Austin High School in Knoxville, TN. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1971. He briefly attended Knoxville Business College and left to work full-time as a certified pipe fitter Welder for the K-25 plant in Oak Ridge, TN.
Joe accepted Christ in his early 20s and received his calling to the ministry soon afterwards. He was affectionately known as one of the, “Sons of Thunder” because of his powerful, anointed preaching; he was licensed and ordained by his father and served as his father’s Assistant at the New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Dante for five years.
In 1980, Joe was called to pastor St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Alcoa, TN, where he served faithfully for over30 years. By faith, he led the members of St. John to build a beautiful edifice which stands as a significant part of his legacy.
To further his understanding of God’s Word, Joe attended and graduated from Johnson University in Knoxville, TN with a B.A. and M.S. He also earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Covington Seminary in Oglethorpe, GA.
In addition to pastoring, Joe was blessed to serve others in numerous ways, including international mission trips to Nigeria and Belize, preaching revivals across the country, leading a local prison ministry, teaching, working as a Chaplain and patient advocate at UT Medical Center and Blount Memorial Hospital.
After his retirement from St. John, Joe took some years off to reflect and worship with other pastors in the Knoxville Area. He was eventually led to start Shekinah Glory Worship Center to continue preaching and teaching. He was a faithful pastor until his death.
Preceded in death by parents, Rev. J. L. Colquitt, Sr. and Essie Mae Butler Colquitt; sister, Nancy Lee Colquitt Littlejohn.
He leaves to cherish his memories, loving devoted wife, Jeanette (whom he affectionately called, “Minnie Mae”); children, Candice (Adrian) Dendy, Renee Colquitt, both of Knoxville, TN; Joe Nath Colquitt of Charlotte, NC; Michelle Colquitt, Mt. Juliet, TN; and Michael (Cristen), Smyrna, TN; siblings, Johnnie Mae Harris, Johnny Colquitt, Jr., Lizzie Littlejohn, James (Esther) Colquitt, and Rose (Quentin) Ashford, all of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Gabreille, Payton, Taylen, Michael, Raina, Tylie, and Bailey; three great-grandchildren, a host of other relatives, colleagues, friends, and preachers of the Gospel; a special thanks to, home healthcare nurses, Destiny Ballew and Lakeesha Hovey; and sons in the ministry for their love and support. Despite everything that Joe has been through, he would truly say, “To God Be The Glory!”
Family and friends may view Monday, at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary, 2823 Martin Luther King Ave., Knoxville, TN 37914, 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 5, 2024; viewing, 10:00 am to 11:00 am at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2304 Cecil Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; family visitation, 11:00 am- 12:00 noon; Homegoing Celebration, 12:00 noon.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made in memory to Shekinah Glory Worship Center, 2928 E. Magnolia Ave.
Internment, Wednesday 12:30 pm at East Tennessee Veterans’ Cemetery, 2200 East Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Final arrangements, by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY.