The late Dr. Joseph Appolinaire Meyinsse was born on the 22nd of December, 1952, in Nima, a suburb of the capital city of Ghana (Accra), to Madam Theresa Adormenyo, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday, and Mr. Paul Appolinaire Megnisse of blessed memory. 

The late Dr. Joseph Appolinaire Meyinsse (affectionately called "Donne" by his family members and friends), attended the Nima Roman Catholic Primary and Middle schools in his formative years. He proceeded to attend St. Thomas Aquinas Secondary School, where he obtained the GCE O’Level certificate. After he completed his secondary education, he worked for a while until his father, a marine engineer, decided to employ him as a casual worker in his fisheries company.

Fulfilling his dream to travel overseas for further studies, Donne left Ghana on 21st September, 1976, for the USA and enrolled at Knoxville College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics. After this achievement, he continued in his effort to attain the best for himself. He was admitted to Southern University and received two Master of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. It was during this period that Joseph met the beautiful Dr. Patricia McLean and got married. He went on to obtain a Doctorate in Mathematics Education from Louisiana State University. 

Upon successful completion of his Ph.D., he returned to Southern University, his alma mater, and rose through the ranks to hold several esteemed positions, including Chair of both the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Science/Mathematics Education. He was also a Dean of the Graduate School, an Interim Dean of Graduate Studies, and a Professor of Mathematics and Program Leader, a position he held until his untimely death on November 3, 2013. 

Joseph was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa International Association for Educators.  Joseph was a simple man. He was affable, kindhearted, approachable, eloquent, giving, and above all God fearing. He was a pillar on which the whole family leaned. We have lost a gem. Joseph was a loving husband, father, and brother. We believe that the Good Lord has taken Joseph's soul in His arms and that he is resting peacefully in one of the houses Jesus promised His faithful followers that He was going to prepare for them. 

Joseph is survived by wife, Pat; son, Jerome; mother, Madam Theresa Adormenyo; sisters Janet, Juliette (Cyrille), Josephine (Cosne); brother Abraham (Theresa) in the United States; and other brothers and sisters in Ghana and Benin.