Joseph William Holston Sr

Our dearly beloved Joseph William Holston, Sr. transitioned to heaven on Saturday, December 5, 2020 due to a history of medical illnesses. Joseph 'aka' Lil Joe was born September 11, 1944 in Reynolds, Georgia to the late Mrs. Annie J. Holston Riggins Mackey (deceased 2020) and Irwin Holston (deceased). As a boy, Joseph had many chores and one of those chores he hated the most, was having to pick cotton, because he couldn't stop pricking his fingers! Lil Joe also spent most of his teenage years in Chicago, Illinois living with his late Uncle, Rev. Arthur Blackshire (deceased 1989). In the mid-sixties Joseph moved to Atlanta to live with his mother and stepfather William Mackey (deceased 2007) and with his siblings: Patricia (deceased 1992) Randy, Nathaniel, Cassandra, Pamela, William, and Michael. Joseph started his employment at Rich's Department Store in downtown Atlanta in his mid-twenties. It is believed this is where he met his first wife, Lee-Belle (Hall) Holston (deceased 1961). During this marriage Lee-Belle and Joseph gave birth to their only child together, Joseph William Holston, Jr. on January 10, 1977. One of the many side jobs Joseph Sr. had, was cutting and mowing the lawn at Crawford Long Hospital. Within a year, Joseph was hired as a full-time employee. During his tenure at the hospital, he became a Supervisor over sterilizing surgical instruments. Here, is where Joseph met and later married his 2nd Wife, Betty Jean (?) Holston, (deceased 2000). After 35 years of service and working the night shift, Joseph retired in 2007. Joseph is survived by 6 siblings, 1 son, Joseph William Holston Jr., who has (2) daughters: Sade Holston and Gabrielle Holston (deceased 2016) and 4 great grandchildren. A stepdaughter (Sheila Hall), a host of 1st, 2nd and 3rd cousins, nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews. As the Patriot of the Family, Joseph endured most of his pain in silence, even though he became wheelchair bound, he never once complained or murmured any negative thoughts during his long suffering. He was loving, he was caring, he was honest and always giving to others. Everyone who came across Joseph's path would say how kindhearted he was, and that he carried the warmest spirit. God has truly called a jewel home to rest. Joseph William Holston, Sr. will truly be missed by both his Family and his many Friends.