Joe E. Ulmer

Joe was born September 27,1942 in Moss Point, MS to the late Walter Ulmer, Sr., and Pinkie Ulmer.  They named him Joe and he was later affectionally called Joe Kelly.

Joe’s spiritual formation began when he accepted Christ at an early age and united with the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Soso, MS.  His educational foundation was laid in Bay Springs, MS, where he graduated from Bay Springs High School. 

Being a son of the South, his hard work ethics began in the cotton fields of Mississippi. He would later take up the trades of masonry and construction.  In 1968 favorable opportunities led him to Joliet, IL, where he worked at Ceco Steel, Alumax, Ulta, and Septran Bus Services.

It was in Joliet where he met his bride of 47 years the late Ada B. Ulmer. 

Joe’s spiritual formation continued to take shape when he joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Lockport, IL. It was there that he became a faithful and dedicated Usher and would later serve as president of the Ushers ministry. He was also banded together with his brothers in the Shiloh’s Men’s Ministry.  Joe liked good singing, but he loved good preaching! 

His dash - is filled with family trips, breakfast with the Big Apple crew, a love of sports, a funny sense of humor, early morning grilling and building a community. On July 18, 2026, Joe’s dash came to an end when the Lord called him home to be joined with his heavenly community, his wife of 47 years, Ada B. Ulmer; his parents Walter Ulmer Sr and Pinkie J. Ulmer; his brothers, Walter L. Sharp, John (Doc) Wesley Ulmer, Carmell (Big John) Ulmer, Walter Ulmer Jr; and his sisters, Gracie M. Sims, Carrie McCullum, and Classy Pearl Knight.

His Legacy continues through his daughters, Jackie (Trinell) Williams, Cartersville, GA, and Mildred Ulmer Soso, MS; his sons, Rodney (Alicia) Ulmer, Portland OR, Steve (Cheryl) McNeal, Duckhill, MS, and Cedric McNeal, Atlanta, GA; his sister, Yvonne (Eric) McCoy of Taylorsville, MS; and goddaughter, Candra (Scooter) Gentry OshKosh, WI.  

He also leaves to cherish his memory five grandchildren Jessica (Shauntaz), Tarsha, Kelly, Christopher; and Michael,10 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren and a host of amazing nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

The extension of his community includes his daughter-in-love, Susan (Lonnie) Brass, bonus son, Mike Bradley and numerous others that made an impact on his life.

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