Joseph Clark Jr.

Joseph Clark Jr., 76, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died peacefully in his loving home on January 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with dementia. He was born in 1949 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Joseph Clark Sr. and Magdalene Clark.

Joseph attended Capitol Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy beginning in 1969 for three years. He later joined the United States Army in 1972, where he also served for three years.

A devoted man of faith, Joseph became an ordained Reverend on August 7, 1988, at Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Prior to that, he was ordained as a deacon on June 5, 1983, at Little Zion Baptist Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. He furthered his education by earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Tidewater Community College on May 19, 1998.

Joseph retired after 21 years of dedicated service as a security guard at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital.

Joseph Clark was a man of God whose passions included studying the Word, serving through chaplain work, and playing tennis in his spare time. He loved the outdoors and was well known for calling his wife repeatedly when she was out with her friends just to ask, “What are you doing?”—except when she was with Cora Bridgers, because he knew she was in good hands.

Some of the fondest memories of Joseph include him placing a five-pack of Bubblicious gum on the counter for his youngest daughter every time he stopped at the gas station, occasionally being late to events because he was lost—but refused to ask for directions—and proudly reciting one of his favorite sayings, “Know what I mean, bean.” He was also known for flashing his signature pearly white smile, a smile that could light up a room and put anyone at ease. Joseph carried himself with a smooth, calm demeanor in nearly every situation—except the one time he fussed out Willie for using his first Burger King paycheck to buy shoes instead of paying a bill.

Joseph didn’t come from much, but he possessed the wisdom and knowledge to make what he had last for a long time. He was also the undisputed king of the kitchen, always making sure to cook the meals—well seasoned, of course—because he believed his wife’s cooking was just a little too bland.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Clark Sr.; his mother, Magdalene Clark; and his brothers, Edward Clark and David Clark.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel “Joy” Clark; his children, Willie DeBose, Darlene Clark, and Keosha Clark; his grandchildren, Azariah Cowan, London DeBose, and Seven DeBose; his brothers, Raymond Clark and Ray Clark; his sisters, Brenda Hopkins, Theresa Tilbreath, and Linda Range; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Known as Joe, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Lil Joe, Joe Joe, Reverend Clark, Brother Joe, Mr. Joe, Chocolate Chip, and many more, Joseph made a lasting and unforgettable mark on this world. He will never be forgotten.

Joseph walked through every stage of dementia, defying every odd the doctors predicted—even holding on an extra day to draw his final breaths. Now, he is free. He can leap for joy, shout hallelujah, and sing God’s praises from the highest mountaintop.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”