NL Joesph

LTributes oving

My loving husband:

I want to thank you for being the best husband in the world. So loving, so kind, you taught me patience. You made me feel so good about myself with your kind words; telling me how pretty and sweet I was. Our time together was precious. It is so hard being without you. I’ll especially miss our very special bible discussions. You always put God first and Matthew 22:37-39 was your favorite bible scripture: “Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love thy neighbor as thyself.” You lived this scripture to the fullest. You were a wonderful person and I understand why God wanted you to return home. There is no one on this earth as loving and giving as you were. You never met a stranger – you were good to everyone who crossed your path. Thank you for your love and understanding during our time together. It was the best 48 years of my life.

Love, Sarah

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.”

II Timothy 4:7 –

Daddy, Thanks for being a phenomenal father and master provider who showed me right from wrong and encouraged me to pursue my ambitions wherever they led me. Your walk with God and in life were a model example, showing me how to walk by faith and persevere through life’s triumphs and tribulations. I will miss our talks, trips, and your eagerness to lend a helping hand. I love you forever and am comforted knowing you are at peace and with Zondra now.

Love, Tiffany

herished CMemories

Life’s RefLections

N.L. Joseph was born May 9, 1947 to Clinton and Lucille Turner Joseph (both deceased) in Water Valley, Mississippi. He departed this life on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 5:45 pm in Memphis, TN.

He confessed a hope in Christ at the age of 12 on September 25, 1959 at Sanders Chapel Baptist Church (Water Valley, MS) under the leadership of the late Pastor A.L. McClellon. He joined Middle Baptist Church (Memphis, TN) in January 2012 under the pastorship of the late Reverend Dr. Lester Basken and current pastor Elartice Ingram Jr. N.L. remained a faithful member until his passing and was known for his strong Christian faith and love of scripture. He was a Sunday School teacher, a devoted attendee of Sunday School (Class 20 and Men’s Class), Bible Study, and BTU, and also active in the Men’s Ministry.

N.L. graduated from Davidson High School of Water Valley, MS, in May 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1966. He served in the Vietnam War in the 11th Army Cavalry Regiment, in which he was a lifetime member. There, he received numerous commendations and advanced to the sergeant level before being honorably discharged in August 1972.

After returning to the U.S., he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he began working as an industrial mechanic at Sears Roebuck and Company in November 1970. While there, he received an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from State Technical Institute and remained at Sears until April 1987. Subsequently, he was diligently employed at Colonial Baking Company, Continental PET Technologies, Coors Brewing, Hardy Bottling Company, and McKesson Pharmaceuticals before retiring in 2013. He was responsible for fixing electrical and mechanical problems as they arose and earned a reputation for being a hard worker and someone who could fix anything.

While working at Sears, he met Sarah Cash, whom he married on July 3, 1974. To this union, two daughters were born, Zondra DeShay Joseph, who preceded him in death, and Tiffany Denise Joseph. N.L. was a devoted family man who loved his wife and children as Jesus loved the church. To the best of his ability, he also lived out the golden rule, treating others as he wanted to be treated. Generous with his time and gift at fixing things, he lent a helping hand to relatives, neighbors, and friends. He often did things with a smile, so much so that he was nicknamed Mr. Smiley.

In addition to being an avid Bible reader, N.L. enjoyed doing yard work, and home improvement projects. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and became an active participant in the American Legion and Memphis Vietnam Veteran organizations after his retirement. He also enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad and considered it a blessing to see more of God’s creation. As much as he smiled, N.L. also loved talking to others and providing advice to the next generation. He never met a stranger, befriending those he came into contact with. Despite whatever trials life brought his way, he always said and truly believed that “Everything is going to be alright” and that it was important to “keep the faith.” These were two of his favorite sayings that kept him encouraged and helped him encourage others around him as they and he himself endured challenges.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 48 years, Sarah Cash Joseph, a loving daughter Tiffany Denise Joseph (Enderson) Nogueira of Framingham, MA; two grandsons: Alessandro Joseph “A.J.” and Sebastian Joseph Nogueira; three sisters: Irene (Ollie V.) Judson, Ophelia (Rochester) Buford, and Linda (Willie) Pulley of Water Valley, MS; one brother Cleveland (Rosie) Joseph of Oxford, MS; one brother-in-law: Robert (Virginia) Cash; three sisters-in-law: Barbara Crawford and Robbie E. Cash, all of Memphis, TN and Faye Dickerson of Arlington, TN; two aunts: Bernice (William) Willingham and Ona Mae Wright, both of Davenport, IA; two uncles: Robert (Evelyn) Turner of Water Valley, MS and James Hawkins of Carson, CA; one godson: Charles Dorrell Harris of Memphis, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.