Jayneal Benjamin Joseph

August 26, 1955 - June 12, 2020

Jayneal Benjamin Joseph was born August 26, 1955 in New Orleans, LA to Herbert Joseph and Joy Williams; peacefully transitioned into the arms of his savior on June 12, 2020. Jay, as he was affectionately known, was proceeded in death by his daughter Jayme Yvonne Joseph, brother’s Herbert, Irvin, and Paul Joseph; in addition his Mother and Father in Law James and Mary Lawson, brother in laws James Jr., Robert, and George Lawson; also, a special niece Sabrina Lawson all of Chicago, IL. Jay accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at South Shore Bible Baptist Church, Chicago, IL. Jay was united in Holy Matrimony to Yvonne Lawson on August 19, 1988, and to their union were three daughters, the late Jayme Yvonne, Chloe’ Amaris, and Hannah Nicole Joseph. During his time in Johnson City, TN, Jay joined Thankful Baptist Church and was a member for 26 years. He was a faithful and dedicated member of the Deacon Ministry (Chairman 3 years), the Mass Choir, Men’s Chorus, and Custodian. In February 2018 Jay joined Bethel Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and was an active and faithful member until his passing. Jay was a caring and compassionate person who would do anything to lend a helping hand. He had this desire to let everyone know how good God was to him in his life and wanted to share it whenever he could. He received his early education in the Chicago Public School System, and the Chicago Culinary Arts. After High School he served in the United States Army for 6 years. Following his Military service he was employed by the Veterans Affairs Administration (Chicago, IL and Mountain Home, TN) for 34 years in the culinary and food service departments, giving him a combined 40 years of Government Service. Jay has never been a stranger to work, as he started his own lawn service business called JJ’s Lawn Service. In retirement, Jay was hired by East Tennessee State University in August 2019 as a Custodian, until his death. Those that forever cherish Jayneal’s memory include a devoted wife Yvonne Lawson Joseph, daughter’s Chloe’ and Hannah Joseph, parents Herbert Joseph and Joy Williams, brother’s Bernard Joseph, Theodore Williams, Adian Williams, Dale (Sonjia) Joseph, sister Shelley (Ester) McCallister; and in laws Eugene (Sadonia) Lawson, Barbara Lawson, Kathleen Wilson, Evelyn (Denard) Moore, Jeanette Coleman, Shirley (Keith) Jones, Herbert Lawson, Karen (Frank) Smith, Michael Lawson, and Juanita (David) Robinson, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Bonus family: Rev. Eric, Patrice, Aerika, and Bryce Ramey. Devoted friends: Rev. Vincent Dial, Dr. Randy Huffines, Larry Taylor, Cliff Hudson, Dr. Keith, and Shirley Johnson, Terea Graham, and Sherry Scott. Graveside services will be held at 1:00pm Friday June 19, 202 at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.