Joseph Samuel Shipp Sr.

Mr. Joseph Shipp was born May 19, 1924 to John Shipp and Alice (Moore) Shipp in Covington, Louisiana. He was the second born of five children. In his teenage years, Joseph moved to Denison, Ohio, later moving to Youngstown, Ohio. He graduated from South High School, and later attended Youngstown State University. Joseph served in the United States Army as a surgical technician during World War II. After his service, Joseph went on to work for the United States Postal Service, where he became the first Black Postmaster of the state Ohio. He retired in 1979 after 30 years of Federal Service. Joseph was a member and is a Past Master of Covenant Lodge #59 in Youngstown, Ohio. He enjoyed acting in local theatre, as well as local commercials. Joseph was an avid golfer well into his 70’s, often foregoing a golf cart and walking all 18 holes. In the late 80’s, while residing in Phoenix, Arizona, Joseph was a founding member of the Murph AME church. He went on to become a founding member of Fountain of Hope AME in Las Vegas, Nevada. Joseph served as a Steward and Usher at Fountain of Hope. Joseph was happily married to Betty Stewart for 68 years. They went on to have 5 children. Joseph was preceded in death by his brother John Shipp; sisters Mattie Crawley and Pearl Johnson; and daughter Cecelia Shipp Holley. Joseph is survived by his wife, Betty; 4 children, Alicia Shipp, Diane Haynes, Joseph Shipp Jr., and Bette Thomas; 6 granddaughters, and 13 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joseph was called home on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.