Obituary of Joseph Valentino Avance

Pastor Joseph Avance Jr., 62, of Niles passed away unexpectedly but of natural causes on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Lakeland Hospital when the Lord called him home.

Just as summer was in full swing, Joseph and Rosie (Micou) Avance welcomed their baby boy in Buchanan, Michigan on July 15, 1960.

After graduating from high school, Joseph went on to further his education at Adrian College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, and continued his basketball career as a Bulldog.  Upon completion of his degree, Joseph came back and answered the call to ministry that God had placed on his life.  God had been preparing him for this his whole life; Joe never ever met a stranger.  No matter where he was, or what he was doing he could strike up a conversation with anyone, and talk about almost anything.  He worked for many years with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and recently retired in 2021.

Joe was an avid sports fan; he enjoyed all competitive levels and in a vast array of sports.  His larger-than-life personality was only surpassed by his laugh that was unforgettable, and could fill a building.  He knew how to make people feel comfortable, whether that was a friendly chat, sharing his great sense of witty humor, or gathering around the table to enjoy some of his delicious creations.  While Joe loved sports, enjoyed cooking, and was a coffee connoisseur, being a Pawpaw and Papa brought more smiles, joy, and contentment than anything else.

Preceding him are his parents Joseph and Rosie Avance, a brother Otis Farrow, his uncles, William and Johnny Avance, and a brother-in-law, James Fitch.

Surviving Joseph are his children, Krystal (Andre) Thompson of Honolulu, Hawaii and Joseph Avance III of Niles, his former wife, Kimberly Avance, grandchildren; Andre Thompson, Jr, Amari Thompson, Joseph Avance IV (and his mother, Dejonay Biles-Morseau), and Andrew Thompson.  He is also survived by his siblings, Bert (William) Lillie, Nancy Fitch, Janet Mantle all of Niles, Morton (Karin) Avance of Elkhart, Terrance Avance of Indianapolis a host of nieces and nephews.

A homegoing service for Pastor Avance will take place Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Spiritual Vision Church of God, 871 Carberry, Niles, Michigan at 12 p.m. with the Pastor Elijah Thompson III officiating and a time of visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Pastor Avance can do so to the family in care of Brown Funeral Home.