Alexandria, La. (3/5/2026) — Dr. Joe S. Green, known across Central Louisiana as “The Bayou Bishop,” died February 20, 2026, at his home in Boyce surrounded by loved ones. Dr. Joe S. Green The Bayou Bishop was born May 20, 1940, in Pineville to Henry Green Sr. and Ada Morris Green.
He grew up along Bayou Rapides and attended First Evening Star Baptist Church. He accepted Christ on Good Friday in 1949 and was baptized on Easter Sunday by Rev. Luke Williams.
Green began his education at Morning Star School inside Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Later, he graduated from Peabody High School in 1958. He continued his education at Southern University, United Theological Seminary and Bible College, and Dominican College. He earned a Bachelor of Theology, Master of Religion, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Divinity.
On October 1, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Josephine Reed Green. Their marriage of more than 60 years produced three daughters and a large extended family rooted in faith.
In 1982, Green answered his call to ministry while serving as a deacon at Second Evening Star Baptist Church. He delivered his first sermon before more than 700 people. Soon afterward, he accepted the call to pastor St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church in Boyce.
In February 1983, he accepted the call to pastor St. Matthew Baptist Church at Rapides Station. He served there for 30 years. During his leadership, membership grew from about 50 to more than 1,200 members. The church also developed more than 40 ministries focused on discipleship and community outreach.
He also worked with the U.S. Department of Labor recruiting and training workers during the development of the Red River Waterway.
Green also served his country. After attending Southern University, he joined the U.S. Army and served with Special Forces in the 82nd Airborne Division. He later completed 26 years of active and reserve military service.
While serving as pastor, he helped establish Rapides Station Community Ministries and the C&J Learning and Enrichment Center. He also supported senior housing, apartment development, and affordable housing for first-time homebuyers across Louisiana.
Green expanded ministry outreach across the United States and several African countries. Even after retirement, he remained a faithful member of St. Matthew Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Frank J. Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Josephine Reed Green, his parents, ten siblings, one son-in-law, and two great-grandsons.
He leaves behind three daughters: Janice Green Washington (Sam), Jacquelyn Green Harris, and Jennifer Green Williams (Darrell). He also leaves several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Many of his life lessons are also shared in his book The Bayou Bishop.
UrbanCast will share a live stream of the funeral services for Pastor Green, provided by Miller & Hill The Funeral Directors.
Service Information
Wake Service
• St. Matthew Baptist Church
• 5605 Old Boyce Rd., Boyce, LA
• Thursday, March 5, 2026
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Public Viewing
• Zion Hill Church Family
• 312 Hunter Street, Pineville, LA
• Friday, March 6, 2026
• 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Funeral Service
• Zion Hill Church Family
• 312 Hunter Street, Pineville, LA
• Friday, March 6, 2026
• 10:00 AM
Interment
• St. Matthew Baptist Church Cemetery
• 5605 Old Boyce Rd., Boyce, LA
• Immediately following the service
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. Matthew Baptist Church for the Bessie Turner Scholarship Fund.
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