Joe was born on February 28, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio. the son of Mary Ashford, and Joe Newman. He was the eldest son and the third oldest of 14 children.
Joe's sister professed that he was the father that many of his siblings never knew. They were a very close-knit family and Joe had a deep love for his mother, who preceded him in death. Joe met and married the love of his life, Juanita Marsh on September 3rd, 1993. They were the Barbie and Ken of fashion and companionship, often dressing alike.
He was an active and dedicated member of New Fellowship Baptist church, where the Rev. Frederick Knuckles is the pastor. He spent a good portion of his spiritual Journey with the Rev. Bobby Lester at New life Baptist Church. He served faithfully on the Usher board at both Houses of worship and sang with the Men praise team at New Fellowship Baptist Church.
Joe Joined the Marines at the age of seventeen and was honorably discharged. As a supervisor of security, he loved his job almost as much as everyone loved him. He was a self-professed grill master better known by loved ones as the 'Dancing Chef'. He was a true Cleveland Browns fan, opposing his Wife who was an advent Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ashford, stepdad Odell Ashford; Brother Odell Ashford Jr.; Grandparents Mary Matt and Willie Marsh; brothers Lawrence Marsh, Dennis Ashford, and Jerome Ashford; Sisters Evelyn Ashford, Annette Blair, Paulette Marsh, and Debra Ashford. Aunt Mary Fortson and Uncle Chester Marsh.
He leaves to morn his loving wife, Juanita Marsh; three stepchildren, Derrick Prater (Zonita), Tyrone Prather (Tamara), and Melissa Cherry; two sisters, Jan Marsh, and Veronica Ashford; four brothers, Gregory Ashford (Annette), Charles Kelly Jr., Derrick Hogue, and Twan Hogue; one aunt, Ida Garrett; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Friday, August 18, 2023
9:00am - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
Watson's Funeral Home
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Starts at 9:30 am (Eastern time)
New Fellowship Baptist Church
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