Mr. Joseph M. Whitley, Sr., 80, of Clayton, NC, entered eternal rest on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Due to COVID-19, the Governor of North Carolina has asked that all gatherings be limited to no more than 50 people including staff and all attendees such as clergy, ushers, musicians etc. Please check with the family to see if you are invited.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Let us now celebrate the life of, Joseph McClinton Whitley, Sr.
Joseph M Whitley, Sr., or “Joe” as many people know him was born December 14, 1939. He was one of seven children born to the late John and Ella Jones Whitley. His siblings are Annie Mae Shand (deceased), Rosa Lee Watson, Carolyn Ann Creech, John Jr. (deceased) and Charles (deceased). One sibling died at birth.
Joe, along with his siblings was raised on a farm in Johnston County, North Carolina. He graduated from W. M. Cooper High School in 1957. Joe joined the US Army and served from 1957 to 1959 where he worked as a supplier and was a boxer.
His places of employment included NC State College, Watson Seafood, and Sears. Joe also worked as a brick mason with Millard Peebles from 1964-1968; as a truck driver for United Parcel Service for thirty-five years; and farmed 200 acres of soybeans. Since retiring, he has worked as a driver for Pounds, Inc., T.R. Lee and Bob Hardee. He recently retired from his lawn service business where he taught his grandson Christopher the trade. Joe never met a stranger and knew people throughout Johnston, Wake and other counties.
Joe, a Prince Hall Mason for thirty-four years, was currently serving as District Deputy Grand Master Emeritus for District 21 Jurisdiction of North Carolina Prince Hall Affiliate. He was a former member of the planning board for the town of Clayton, NC. Joe was a member of Mt. Vernon Christian Church in Clayton, NC, where he served on the Deacon Board for more than twenty-five years, and served on the Trustee Board. Joe sung with the Mt. Vernon Gospel Choir and Male Chorus. Joe was an avid North Carolina State sports fan and had a love for all sports such as football, basketball, baseball, golf and bowling. In his earlier years, Joe spent many days playing baseball with the Piney Grove baseball team. He also played basketball with the Cooper Alumni Association. Joe was also an excellent bowler and played in many leagues in both Clayton as well as the Raleigh area.
Joe married the love of his life, Elgie Bea Smith, in 1960. To this union three children were born: Sharon Coward, Nevelle Strickland (Harold) and Joseph M. Whitey, Jr. (Rosita). Eight adorable grandchildren: Shelida Coward, Courtney Edwards, Caylor Whitley, Ashland Whitley Tovar, Christopher Hunter, Sahraya Hunter, Olivia Whitley and Latarcha Lee; and five great grand-children: Kourtney Edwards, Udohiyu ‘Daji’ Hunter, Jayden Tovar, Natali Tovar and Gerald Lee. He also had a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Joe and Elgie enjoyed their first honeymoon after eighteen years of marriage when they toured the Middle East and were able to visit Rome, Switzerland, France, Germany and many other places. This August 12, 2020, they would have celebrated 60 years of marriage.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the uplifting prayers, calls, texts, and messages. During this time of global chaos and uncertainty, your love and care has had a tremendous impact on us.
Please continue to keep us in prayer during this difficult time.
Walk Thur Viewing Only (not to exceed 10 people at once):
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
9:30 am to 8:00 pm
Hood Funeral Home
230 East Front St.
Clayton , NC 27520
Graveside Service: (Invitation Only) Service will be on Facebook Live on Hood Funeral Home LLC
Wednesday, April 08, 2020
12 noon
Forest Hill Cemetery
Little Creek Church Road
Clayton, NC 27520
Services are entrusted to Hood Funeral Home and Staff
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