Mr. Joseph Lincoln Stills passed away in Paramount Skilled Nursing Facility on February 10th 2019, two days before his 80th birthday. Joseph was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Thomas and Tallie Ann Stills. He had one sister, Monica Lasisi, who lives and teaches in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also survived by a niece and nephew. He was married and divorced from Minnie Tobins McDaniels, who preceded him in death. Joseph, has resided in Seattle since the age of 5. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church and he was a lifelong Catholic.
Joseph was proud of his career in food service, beginning when he was in the US Air Force until discharge in 1960 in Trenton, NJ. Joseph then embarked on his desired career waiting tables in high-end establishments. He was proud to have achieved ‘Escoffier ‘level skills –the highest level of service in his field.
As proud as he was of his work history, his greatest passion was for his life in the addiction community – both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous – where he was well known as ‘Poppa Joe’. With over 47 years of sobriety, Joseph was the living embodiment of Recovery. Anyone who spent more than a few minutes with Joe learned of his passion and deep knowledge of the “nature of the addictive personality.’’ Joe always honored the anonymity of others in the program, while being an ‘out and proud’ addict in recovery. Joe was a mentor to countless addicts on their way to recovery. In the Seattle African-American community, he was a GURU, their teacher in the truest sense of the word; this is the community that will miss him most.
It must be noted that Joseph made this profound impact on his community while coping with his own personal battle with a concurrent Bipolar Disorder. He was diligent in his adherence to recovery and good self-care. He enjoyed and appreciated his long affiliation with Harborview Mental Health and Addiction Services-where he also mentored many staff and contributed to the growth and development of even our advanced clinicians.
Per his request and planning, Joseph will be interred at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery in Shoreline, with his family members who preceded him in death. The services will be at graveside. Attendees are asked to line up at 10:45 am to process to the 11:00 am service.
Per Mr. Stills, donations in his name are requested to go to the 23rd and Cherry Fellowship Hall at 2701, E. Cherry, Seattle, WA 98144.
Rest in Peace, Poppa Joe –you have earned it!
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