Brother Joel N. Counsel, 78, entered eternal rest at home surrounded by love, on September 20, 2021. He was the beloved husband of 53 years to Phyllis Counsel.

Mr. Counsel was born in Tuskegee, AL on November 8, 1942, a son of the late Booker Renfroe and Willie Lois Counsel. He was inducted into the Army in 1965 and received an Honorable Discharge in 1967. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge, he moved to Connecticut, and married his lovely wife, Phyllis Barnes.

Prior to retiring, Joel was employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 38 years as a Machine Tool Service Technician.

Brother Counsel accepted Christ at a young age and began his spiritual calling as a servant at Union Temple Freewill Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Herman Epps and currently, Pastor Elmer Hardy. He served in many leadership roles at Union Temple including the Usher Board, Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Superintendent and the Board of Trustees. His favorite scripture was John 3:16.

For those that loved him, you knew he was a reserved man of God who spoke with love and wisdom. He was charitable and loved to teach God’s word. He strived to be an example of God’s love not only in words, but also in deeds. Joel was a man about “Business”, “God’s Business.”

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Tameka Counsel Judd; son in-law, Michael Judd; a brother, Willie Counsel; his granddaughters, Ani, Autumn and Alanna Judd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.

He was predeceased by a brother, Calvin Counsel; and a sister, Marzelle Griffin.

A Celebration of Mr. Counsel’s life and legacy will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Union Temple Church, 54 Platt St., New Haven. A Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 A.M. The burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Anyone attending the services must adhere to all safety precautions.