Campus Community Worship Center was filled to the brim Saturday, with relatives and friends paying their respects to Joseph “Joe-Lee” Glenn, a Grambling resident, GSU student and an avid lover of skateboarding and freestyle rhyming. Glenn succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by Louisiana State Police in the early morning hours of Dec. 29.
Loved ones filed into the service peacefully, expressing the sympathy they felt for the family after losing their beloved brother and son. Mourners who traveled as far as eight hours from Atlanta were there to show love and support as well as reflect on the memories that they had shared with Glenn.
The 11 a.m. service began just as a normal church service would, with musical selections that led right into scripture readings and prayer. Joseph’s oldest sister, Terion Glenn, then delivered an emotional poem entitled “When tomorrow starts without me,” stopping right at the end to express to the bereaved crowd that “Joseph is not in this box, my brother is in heaven.”
The mood changed to one of tranquility after Terion’s heartfelt expressions transitioned into the two-minute time slots set aside for each friend and family member who wanted to express their love for Glenn through stories and even dance.
Tiffany Glenn, Joseph’s second oldest sister, spoke of memories with him that made her smile exclaiming, “Joe and I were close, we were together all the time, even in college.”
Joseph’s father, Darryl Glenn, also spoke of shared memories with his son and urged the crowd to “get a good relationship with God.”
Glenn’s mother, Darlene Glenn, took the opportunity to minister to the crowd during expressions. “I know you see me crying, but God is able.” Her words shook up the building while every member of the crowd was standing, rejoicing and giving praises to God.
The hourlong expressions included the Grambling High School class of 2009, members of Glenn’s skateboard crew IDGAF, close relatives, neighbors, childhood friends of B.T.Woodard in Grambling, and clergy, all speaking of the good times and how much they will always love and cherish Glenn.
Bishop Bryan Smith, pastor of Campus Community Worship Center, delivered a eulogy that encouraged the mourners to remember that there is hope, using the Matthew 5:4 scripture “Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.”
He also petitioned to lamenters “We must be born twice to escape the second death, once physical and once spiritual.”
The service ended with an invitation to the altar for those who felt they needed prayer for redemption. Many of Joseph’s family and friends stood before the altar praying and crying out to God.
Glenn was buried at Grambling Cemetery next to New Rocky Valley Baptist Church and the repast was held at Grambling Community Center.