Joe Louis Whitfield, Sr was born April 20, 1935 in Stirrat, West Virginia, to Willie Maxie and Hattie (Brownlow) Whitfield.
Joe and family relocated from West Virginia to Columbus, OH in 1946, presuming his father followed sister Lessie Manuel Whitfield to Columbus for work. Joe would graduate from East High School where he medaled in track. He met and married Shardine Jane Goins and from this union five children were born: Joe Jr, Shonda, Michael (Vickie), Mark (Dionne)-Buckeye, AZ and Jerneen (Maurice) Oldham.

Joe loved to work, setting an example for his children. He held two jobs most of his life. Joe’s earliest work history included Lutheran Senior City where he worked with his father. He also worked at Smallwood Grocery on the near east side. Joe once said it was the kind of business, he dreamed of owning.

Joe became a faithful and dedicated employee of Columbus City Schools, retiring as a head custodian. At one time, his brothers, Walter and Robert along with a cousin, Jasper, all were custodians in the district. In addition, Joe also retired from Mt. Carmel (Trinity Health) Hospital as well as worked at Olentangy Village. He continued to work in retirement delivering meals for Lifecare Alliance where his daughter, Shonda, has been employed more than 30 years.

Joe departed this life as a long-time member of The Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith Church.

Joe had lifelong passions that included Buick as his brand of automobile. He owned a Lincoln and Cadillac but returned to Buick, owning one at the time of his passing. He passed down a love of Cleveland Browns football to Joe Jr. and followed the Los Angeles teams, the Dodgers and Lakers. Musically, he was a huge B.B. King fan and once had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with B.B.

Joe was a man of few words but often noted how proud he was of his children and the success they had accomplished. He enjoyed hosting the Whitfield Family Soul Gatherings (fish frys and Christmas parties) with his brothers.

Joe was preceded in passing over by brothers Howard, Robert, Walter and Troy Whitfield; Shardine Whitfield; son-Joe Jr, and of course, his parents. Survived by sisters Marva Whitfield and Bulah Lane. Grandchildren: Michael (Keisha), Aaron (Courtney), Joe III, Aisha, Blake, Ashley, Jasmine, Maurice, Malcolm, Tamia, Marcel, and Mark. Great Grandchildren: Zora, Nyrobi, Akiilah, Noah, Ayvin, Charlotte, Braelyn, Journey and Mareina.

Joe leaves his surviving children to cherish their father along with Cleota Ann Little, his long-time companion with whom he shared love and home. Ann will be helped through her grief by her children: Roger, Delvin and Tiara Little. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Joe was aided in life by special friends Leroy and Marilyn Cullens, Isaac Thomas and Derek Richardson.

Private services Saturday, April 25, 2020 at COP East, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.

Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.

Condolences for the family of “Joe L. Whitfield Sr.”

Article printed from Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home: https://www.thechapelofpeace.com

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