April 27, 1948-March 31, 2019
Joel Edward Withem Sr., 70, of College Station, went home to be with our Lord and Savior early Sunday morning, March 31, 2019, surrounded by his family. In 2007, Pastor Withem, established the Brazos Valley Family Worship Center in Bryan, TX, serving as pastor of the congregation until his passing on Sunday morning, March 31. Bro. Withem has pastored several churches in the Brazos Valley since moving here in 1970, where he pastored the Snook Assembly of God Church. Since moving to the Brazos Valley he has pioneered and established two churches, the Somerville New Life Church and the Brazos Valley Family Worship Center.
His passion was for his family and the ministry. All 14 members of the family were together at every opportunity. He was on a “best friends” basis with his children and grandchildren. He loved life and the work the Lord called him to.
Joel Withem is survived by his 101 year old mother, Esther N. Withem; his wife of 50 years, Juanita Gurney Withem; daughter, Angela Withem-Vasquez of Bryan,TX; son, Joel E Withem Jr. and wife, Katie See Withem of Snook, TX; daughter, Ellen Withem-Lazarevic and husband, Filip Lazarevic of Bryan, TX; and daughter, Roberta Gail Withem Meduna and husband, David Meduna M.D. of College Station, TX; Seven grandchildren, Jonathan and Ashton Vasquez of Bryan, Brett and Kennedi Withem of Snook and Abigail, Ethan and Gracie Meduna of College Station; his siblings, Peter Withem, Nona Mobley, Alice Huff, Timothy Withem, Steven Withem, all of Indiana; numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his dad, Paris Edward Withem; and 3 sisters, Sybil Butcher, Cheryl Newforth, and Rebecca Withem, all of Spencer, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Brazos Valley Family Worship Center.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd with the service to follow at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Brazos Valley Family Worship Center, 4839 N. Texas Ave, Bryan, TX 77803. The graveside service to follow on Wednesday at College Station Memorial Cemetery, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX.
Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers, Bryan-College Station.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Joey and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Praying for your comfort and healing during this time of sorrow.
Jan Robbins
Thank you so much.
I have heard many beautiful stories about Brother Withem from my husband Brian and mother in-law Lisa. A kind, caring, and God fearing man, Reverend Withem touched the lives of many, and was like family to most. There are few people like Reverend Withem. May his memory be a blessing.
We are very saddened to hear of cousin Joels passing. Our hearts ache and will deeply miss him. I will never forget his contagious smile and laugh. Our deepest condolences to the family. May Jesus cradle you all in His loving arms during this difficult time. Love and Blessings.
Juanita and family, I am sorry for your loss. I give thanks for Joel’s life and ministry, and pray for comfort for you all.
I am sorry to hear about you husband Juanita. I will be praying for the family. I will be giving a donation to the church.
If you need someone to talk to after everything is over just call me.
Roberta, I am so sorry for your loss. Bro withem will always be remembered for his smile and compassion for for others he loved the work he did for the lord and it showed.
The family has my deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
I pray that the lord keep an strengthen you during this difficult time.
Love you
Christine
So sorry to hear the passing of your dad, your family are in my prayers.
Joey and Katie,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. We are praying for you and your family.
So sorry to hear about Joel’s death. I remember him from my time in Somerville.
Sorry for your loss but rejoicing for heavens gain He was a great man. He sure did love his Juanita. Prayers for you all.
I had a heart attack three years ago and the next morning while in the Critical Care Unit, Brother Whithem came to pray with me and for me.
I said, “I should have know if anyone could talk their way into the CCU it would be you!” I am thankful and grateful for all the love and friendship he has shown all these many years to me and my parents, the Ryans. His place in Heaven has been waiting for him. Love & Prayers for friends & family.
To the best flying partner I’ve ever had.
“May God grant you blue skies aloft,
With winds of calm by land,
As you play on the outskirts of heaven,
On the fragile wings of man.”
You’ll be missed more than you’ll ever know.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. May your memories be plentiful and your sorrow be met with the knowledge that your dad is at peace, healed and standing in the presence of our Lord.
Kindest
Darlene Trant
So sorry to hear about Joel….we were classmates at Spencer. Prayers for the family and friends.
We are so sorry to hear about brother Withem’s passing; although we are rejoicing with him. He spent his life in service of the Lord and Savior and there are several crowns for him in Heaven. God bless the Withem family and the families of BVFWC. We love you!
May God bless and comfort you All. Bro. Withem was a great person in All. Rip Bro. Withem!!!!
To my Texas Kin,
Myself and Rebecca are deeply saddened to hear of Joel’s passing. The world has lost one of its best souls. Though years separated our families my Withem kin were never far from my thoughts. We love you all and our prayers go out to you.
Robert & Rebecca Fellows
I met the Withem family when they lived in Summerville Tx. I was a kid back then. I loved the whole family, admired him as man, family man and Man Of God. Angie, Roberta, Ellen & Joey all were like my bro & sisters. Bro and Sis Withem were like mom and dad to me. Though I only knew them for a short time before we moved away, I have never forgotten any of them. Bro Withem was a firecracker preacher. His love for God, His family and ministry are his legacy. He is now with our savior JESUS. He is together in heaven with my mom. The entire family was a spiritual inspiration to me.
Thank you Tony!
Joel and I go all the way back to Spencer, Indiana. I was his youth pastor at the Assembly there and when I decided to go to Southwestern (SAGU) he had a call on his life and he made the decision to go their too. I lost track of him after college, all I knew was he was in South Texas somewhere pastoring. So proud of Joey (as we used to call him) and the work he done for our Lord. Just traced this down by following a post of someone in Spencer, who told of his mother’s death. I am sorry to hear of Joel’s passing but know he will be waiting in heaven for all of us. He also rode to Hillsboro, Texas on the weekends and helped a group of us minister in the little Assembly church there too. Praise God for his life!