BIOGRAPHY

Joe Willie Hollins was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi, USA, on 19 August 1906. He lived in the hills of Yazoo City before moving to Barksdale, and eventually settled in Stovall in the early to mid-1940s. He worked as a farmer, driving tractors and transporting workers to the fields to chop cotton. He also drove a truck, picking up people and taking them to their jobs. In addition to farming, he raised chickens, hauled cotton for the Stovall Gin Company, and worked as a mechanic.

Hollins had nine children with his first wife, Aurevers Mickey: Josephine, Ruthie D. Jones, Ida Mae, Beatrice, Louevenga, Walter — all of whom had passed away by August 2018 — as well as Lueretta, Irene, and Eddie Mae Ratcliff (1943–2020). He later remarried a woman named Rosie. By the time he reached 112, his family had grown to span six generations.

His life was built on hard work and service to others. As a mason, he helped support churches and provided clothing for those in need. He was a devout Baptist and served as a deacon at his local congregation, Oak Ridge Church.

Hollins loved fishing and gardening for much of his life, until around the age of 110, when health issues prompted him to move to Memphis. There, he was cared for by his granddaughter, Lee Ella Dilworth, in her home.

When asked about the secret to his long life, Hollins simply replied: “The blessing of God.”

Hollins passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, on 23 September 2018, at the age of 112 years, 35 days.

RECOGNITION

His age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Hollins celebrates 112th birthday Aug. 19” – Press Register, 24 August 2018

* Official Obituary of Joe Willie Hollins – Royal Funeral Home (Clarksdale, MS)

* Joe Willie Hollins – Find A Grave

GALLERY