Joseph Powell Sr

Joseph Powell, Sr. departed this life on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was born December 21, 1943 to the late Mother Violet Dowd Powell and the late Reverend Essie Lee Powell, Sr. in Tarboro, North Carolina. He grew up in Edgecombe County, North Carolina where he attended George Washington Carver High School. At a young age, he decided to sacrifice furthering his education in an effort to assume responsibilities to help support his family. He was always willing to help people in need. He enjoyed life and lived his life with few regrets. Joseph was often known for saying, “If you can't be nice, be careful!”, “Breaker-Breaker 10-4”, and “BAM”, I'm gone!” Joseph was known by various names depending on who was speaking of him to include, but not limited to “SAP”, “Breaker Breaker”, “CIGAR”, “GGP”, “Grand Pop”, “Da”, “JP”, “Daddy”, “Joe” and “Jo-seph”. Although never an active member of the U.S. Military, Joseph was a true foot soldier to life and in the streets. Joseph's personality reached many people on many different levels and he made friends wherever he went. Thus begetting the saying, “To know him is to love!”, “Papa was a rolling stone!” and “Trying to love two, sure ain't Easy to Do!” Joseph had a keen passion for fighting which he developed at a very young age that followed him throughout his adult years with no fear of throwing up his fists and fighting, “OG (Old Gangsta) style”. Joseph was employed as a sheet metal mechanic at Bethlehem Steel Shipyard for many years until he retired at the age of 47, while working part-time for many years with the National Detective Bureau, as well as other part-time job opportunities where he provided exemplary services and left a remarkable impression for the work he did. Joseph was very skillful with his hands and enjoyed working on automobiles, repairing electronics, and renovating houses. In 1963, Joseph married the love of his life, the late Jessie Mae Leak and during this union, he had one son Joseph, Jr., and three daughters: Janietta, Justina, and Jill. Joseph loved each of his children and would proudly state such. As the son of a Preacher, Joseph was also ordained a Minister and Deacon. He found consolation in his favorite scripture, Matthew 18:1-6. He leaves to cherish his memory and to continue his legacy: five children: Joseph Powell, Jr. (Sandra), Janietta Powell Murdock (Randy), Justina Powell, Jill Powell, and Tanya Miller (Mikal) all of Baltimore, Maryland; five sisters: Mary Hart (Cherry) of Nashville, NC, Emma Johnson (Columbus) of Battlesboro, NC, Annie Nelson and Betty Jean Pitt of Rocky Mount, NC, Geraldine Gorham (Lester, Sr.) and Corine Barnes both of Bridgeport, CT; two brothers, Rev. Essie Powell, Jr. of Portsmouth, VA and Apostle George Powell of Tarboro, NC; seventeen grandchildren: Stanton, Trequisha, Ashley, Phillip, Kyle, Courtney, Justin, Janay, Jatwan, J'Shawn, Timothy, Tyrell, Taiwan, Takai, Destinee, Brittany, and Marcus, twenty great-grandchildren, a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, great nephews, family, and friends. As a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, Joseph shared unforgettable memories with his Baltimore family: Mr. Donald Cherry & Family and Ms. Eunice Ward & Family. He also shared a special bond with his nephew who he took as a second son, Mr. Robert Battle, Jr. & family of North Carolina.

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Joseph Powell Sr

December 21, 1943 - May 14, 2015