Joe Howard Crooks

On February 14, 1940, a baby boy was born to Margaret Wilkins and Marvin O’Bryant. He was named Joe Howard. He was one of eleven children. On the second day of his life, he was lovingly adopted by Alonzo and Victoria Crooks.

At the age of seven, Joe was baptized by the late Rev. Dr. E.D. Carrington at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He attended Houston Independent School District schools and later furthered his education at Houston Community College.

In 1956, at the young age of 15, Joe met Ethel Lee Joseph. The two quickly became inseparable. With the consent of their parents, they were married at the ages of 15 and 16 by Rev. Porter Hayes. As a young couple, they faced many challenges, but through love and perseverance, they built a strong and lasting marriage. They were blessed with three children: Darrell, Susie, and Timmie.

Joe began working at Insuldye, Inc. in the shipping department. Through dedication and hard work, he became a supervisor, a position he held for 21 years until the company closed in 2020. He was loved and respected by his peers.

Joe loved the Lord, his family, and his work. He enjoyed watching all types of sports, working in his yard, keeping his car spotless, and shooting pool. He and Ethel later returned to Greater Mt. Zion

under the leadership of Rev. Gaidi Burgess, where he remained a faithful member until his illness. Joe was known as a kind, gentle, and humorous man, as well as a sharp dresser.

He was preceded in death by Darrell and Susie. He leaves to

cherish his memory his beloved wife of 69 years, soon to celebrate 70 years in May; his son, Timmie; three granddaughters, Kisner (Kissy), JoAngel, and Emma; one grandson, Jeremy; four great-granddaughters, Keyondra, Kelee, Kacy, and Heaven; three great-grandsons, Javion, Joh Rick, and Jamari; a brother, Martin Wayne Thompson; a sister, Edwina Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4 :7-8

Visitation for Joe will be held at Greater Mt. Zion M.B.C., 8787 N. Houston Rosslyn Rd., Houston, TX 77088, US, on March 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The celebration of life will immediately follow at 11:am at Greater Mt. Zion M.B.C., 8787 N. Houston Rosslyn Rd., Houston, TX 77088, US, on March 28, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Committal will be held at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088, US, on March 28, 2026, from 12:45 pm to 1:15 pm.