Joe Willie Sutherland Jr.

July 03, 1964 ~ October 06, 2026

Mr. Joe Willie Sutherland Jr. 62, of South Bend, In was born in Chicago to the union of Geneva and Joe Willie Sutherland Sr. on July 3, 1964. He received his formal education for Clay High School, Graduating in 1982. Joe would later serve his country in the armed forces. On June 07, 1991 Joe married Carolyn Conner whom he met in 1982, they raised four amazing children: Saria, Jo’Nita, Titus and Zion and their marriage last 20 years.  Later in life Joe found love again with Venetta Johnson, who he shared 12 years of memories helping raise the boys: Barry and Nathan Johnson as his own.  

Talented was Joe’s middle name: singing, dancing and storytelling were a few of his qualities, and some of the stories he told were true. Joe’s presence was larger than life and his hugs took the air out of you. He was employed in the imaging industry for over 10 years. Greater Holy Temple COGIC was his Home, he was proud to Join the church to make it official.

On October 6, 2026 he found rest and was reunited with his heavenly family: his parents Joe Willie Sutherland Sr. and Geneva Sutherland, Children Jo’Nita and Titus, One Brother Richard Sutherland, One sister Ernestine Taylor.

He is survived by his children: Saria Sanders and Zion Conner both of Indianapolis, In. Siblings: Carl (Lucille) Sutherland of Harker Heights, Tx and Thea Butler of Chicago, Il. Grandchildren: John, December, Adonis, Makyrah, and Makylen all of Indianapolis, In; Kayla Davis of Plano, TX. Two Nieces: Cleora Taylor of South Bend and Tamisha Hudson of Chicago, Il. Nephews: Willie and Carl Taylor, Richard and Alexander Sutherland of South Bend, In and Sean (Adrienne) Sutherland of Okinawa Japan. Special Friend Rochelle Wyatt of Gary, In and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com where condolences can be made.       

Public Viewing 1:30PM Service 2PM Laymen Chapel with Military Honors.

Pallbearers: Willie Taylor      Carl Taylor      Adonis Sanders      John Wallace    Donte Perry    Jaquan Redmond

Honorary Pallbearers: Bryant Smith & Jessie Smith

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Sutherland, please visit our floral store.

Services

Viewing

Saturday
October 24, 2026, 1:30 PM
Laymen Chapel CME Church

Celebration of Life

Saturday
October 24, 2026, 2:00 PM
Laymen Chapel CME
303 S. Kenmore St.
South Bend, IN 46601

Added 10/28/2026 1725 GMS 

https://www.boydandsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Joe-Sutherland