Reverend Joseph Lee Shilo Jr. was born December 26, 1963, in Opelousas, Louisiana. He was raised in Temple, Texas, by his parents, Joseph L. Shilo Sr. and Addie M. Shilo. They enjoyed six children - Joseph Jr., along with his older brother, Johnnie, and younger siblings, Janice, Angela, Timothy, and LaCosha. 

Joseph always had a creative imagination. He loved art, music, baseball, and comics, but most of all, he grew up to adore the Lord. He answered the call to minister at the early age of 16 while attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Temple, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Charles Maze.

While fellowshipping with another church, Joseph would meet the love of his life, Doris Blane. They would go on to get married and have two sons, Joseph and Jordan. 

Continuing in his walk, Joseph received his Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Religion from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a Master’s degree in Divinity from Baylor University, in which he graduated with honors.

Joseph's service in pastoral leadership began at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Rogers, Texas, to Goodwill Baptist Church in Milano, Texas, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Cameron, Texas, New Hope Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, and Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Satin, Texas, where he was presently serving.

Outside of the church, Joseph would start his career as a substitute teacher in the Waco Independent School District. He was a full-time teacher at J.H. Hines Elementary School, and most recently, Temple College in Temple.

Proceeded in death by his parents, Joseph is loved and cherished by his wife of 36 years, Doris Shilo, his sons Joseph(Britney) and Jordan(Marchita), and his grandchildren, Keira, Josephine, and Elijah. Joseph’s siblings, nieces and nephews, and a host of other family members, friends, former students, and community members will also hold dear the memory and legacy of him, forever. Until we meet again.