AHOSKIE – Love is never measured in distance.

Despite hundreds of miles separating Tammy Mizelle and family of Ahoskie from their 19-year-old nephew, Joseph Williams of Greensboro, it’s the love of a family member in need that has driven Mizelle to reach out and help.

On Saturday (May 2), Williams – better known to his family and friends as “Little Joe” – was seriously injured in an auto accident in Greensboro. There, while changing a tire on the shoulder of US 29, a vehicle crashed into Williams’ car, pinning the teen between the vehicle and a guardrail.

Williams’ injuries were severe, especially to one of his legs which doctors at Greensboro’s Moses Cone Hospital were later forced to perform a partial amputation. He also suffered a broken neck as well as other injuries.

He remains hospitalized. Mizelle said additional surgeries are planned.

If that news isn’t bad enough, Williams, the son of Gloria Williams of Ahoskie and Joseph Lassiter of Murfreesboro, is without medical insurance.

“The hospital bills for his medical care are mounting,” Mizelle said. “I had to do something to help.”

Earlier this week, Mizelle met with Southern Bank officials in Ahoskie from where a special account was set-up in Williams’ name.

“The family of Joseph Williams appreciates any contributions to that bank account,” Mizelle said. “We thank you for your support.”

To make a contribution, visit any Southern Bank location and inquire about the Joseph L. Williams Benefit Account.

Williams is a native of Hertford County, living with his grandparents, Rudolph and Dorothy Williams of Ahoskie, while attending Hertford County High School. He remained at HCHS through the 10th grade before moving with an aunt and uncle, Tarsha and Randolph Howard, to Greensboro.

In Greensboro, Williams is a senior at Southeast Guilford High School. Mizelle said she had spoken to her nephew and he was determined to graduate this year.

Two other Hertford County natives were with Williams on the night of the accident. Tierra Outlaw and Travis Cofield were both injured, but have been released from the hospital.

Outlaw, the daughter of Janice and Colie Stephenson of Murfreesboro, is a 2008 HCHS graduate. She now attends Guilford Community College in Greensboro. At the time of the accident, she was inside the vehicle that Williams was changing the tire.

Cofield, the son of Mary Cofield of Ahoskie and Matthew Eley (his stepmother is Sarah Eley) of Murfreesboro, was standing outside the vehicle at the time of the crash. He was in Greensboro visiting family and friends.

The families of Outlaw and Cofield passed along their thanks for all the prayers and support for their respective children involved in the accident.