Joseph Julius Hamelin, 84, a Bowie Resident for a year, previous residence in Temple Hills, MD., went to be with the Lord on September 16, 2019. Jay, or J.J. to his friends, was born to Joseph and Carrie Hamelin on November 18, 1934 in Thomaston, Alabama. While a young man, he attended Marengo Co. Training School/Amelia Johnson High School. When he completed school, he joined the U.S. Marines, attaining the rank of Sargent. Following his military career, he began working and would retire after 33 years from Washington Gas Light Company – as a foreman/Supervisor.
Jay was a member of From the Heart Ministries (Church), FTHM Duplication Ministry, as well as multiple philanthropic organizations. When not serving the Lord and spending time with his family, he enjoyed helping others, being a gifted and self-taught handyman and working on automobiles. He also enjoyed watching golf and playing Sudoku. He will be remembered most for his spirit, sense of humor, wit, generosity, philanthropy, kindness, and his willingness to serve however needed.
Jay is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Ann Hamelin, his children, Monica Williamson, Michael Hamelin, Yowanda Godfrey, Julius Hamelin (wife Carol), and Brian Hamelin, his sister, Johnnie Marie Brazel and his grandchildren: Tyrone Williamson, Jr. (wife Shaunita), Monique Williamson, Michael Parker, Christopher Godfrey, Julius Hamelin, Jr., Juwan Hamelin, Jayla Hamelin, Tiera Ramsey, and Mychelle Hamelin, Great-grandchildren, Jordan Hamelin, Vonn Ramsey and Aryanna Hamelin-Johnson. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Daisy Hamelin, Rosa Lee Bell, and Arcola Reaser.