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Death of Joseph Avance

We are saddened to inform the campus of the death of Joseph Avance, who worked in the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness and supported our Title III project with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. He also served previously as an undergraduate success advisor in the Student Success Center. Joseph died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

Please remember the Avance family in your thoughts and prayers as they process this difficult loss. You are invited to share memories and condolences with the family below; please include your name with your comments.

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Obituary

Pastor Joseph Avance Jr., 62, of Niles passed away unexpectedly but of natural causes on Tuesday, Jan. 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 and a host of nieces and nephews.

A homegoing service for Pastor Avance will take place Saturday, Jan. 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 .