Joseph Eyrl Gillette

On November 28, 2015, Joseph (Joe) Eyrl Gillette of Marianna, Florida passed away in his home after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family whom he so dearly loved. Joe was sixty.

Joe was born in Jacob City, Florida on October 3, 1955 to Berdia Pittman-Gillette and the late Morblee Gillette. Appreciating the Bible truths taught to him by his mother, Joe became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He symbolized his dedication to Jehovah God on December 17, 1970 in Thomasville, Georgia at the young age of fifteen. He loyally served Jehovah until his death, nearly 45 years.

Joe proved to be faithful and whole-souled in his worship to his God. He demonstrated this in his lifelong Christian conduct and zealous public witnessing. His nickname in the family was "Preacher" because he always carried a Bible with him wherever he went. Joe helped many make the truth their own by his ministry and life's example.

Joe graduated from Marianna High School, class of 1974. On May 14, 1983 he married Michelle Herndon. This union produced two beautiful daughters, Marissa Danielle Gillette and Erin Morgan Gillette.

After attending Chipola Junior College, Joe worked at Winn Dixie for nearly 35 years as a produce manager. This is where most in the community met him. He would always greet them with his endearing wide smile and a Scriptural message as they passed his produce station.

In 2004, Joe would go on to start a new occupation with the United States Postal Service. This employment afforded him the opportunity to make many more friends, acquaintances, and memories.

He would not hesitate to help a single person in the post office, even if helping meant staying long after he had completed his own route. One co-worker recalls him as the "best sub" she ever had.

Joseph Gillette is survived by his mother Berdia Pittman-Gillette of Marianna, FL, his two daughters: Marissa Danielle Gillette of Dothan, AL and Erin Morgan Gillette of Marianna, FL, his brothers: Cedric Gillette, Sr. of North Chicago, IL, Derrick (Carol) Gillette of Tampa, FL, Mikki (Maryann) Gillette, Sr. of Dothan, AL, Al Gillette of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be 4-7 PM, Friday, December 4, 2015, at the M. Sue & Rodney D. Pittman Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street, Graceville, FL.

Memorial service will be 2PM, Saturday December 5, 2015, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3440 Old US Road, Marianna, FL, under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, FL.

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