Joseph Sherman

Dear Son & Brother

Joseph Sherman, was born on August 29, 1926 in Manning, South Carolina to the late Mr. Robert L. Sherman and Bessie H. Sherman.  He is the youngest male out of nineteen children.  He is survived by one sister.

Decorated Military Serviceman

He attended school in Manning, South Carolina until, he was drafted into the United States Army.  He served as a Private First Class (PFC) in the 9th Infantry and was stationed in the Philippines.  In 1947, as a PFC, he returned to the United States with an Honorable Discharge and having been awarded the WWII Victory medal.  

Dedicated Husband & Father

In the fall of 1954, Joseph married Lula Mae Stone and as a result of that union he fathered seven girls and three boys of which two preceded him in death.  Joseph worked various jobs to support his family.  Most notably, was his career as a baker for Dunkin Donuts.  On December 12, 1966, he lost Lula Mae, the love of his life due to a long-term illness.

Devout Church Deacon & Minister

Joseph loved the Lord and entered Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) ministry as a Deacon under the leadership of the late Bishop John P. Graham of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C in Providence, Rhode Island.  In 1977, Deacon Sherman relocated his family to Georgia and served faithfully at the First Church C.O.G.I.C. and most recently at Greater Full Gospel C.O.G.I.C.  On September 3, 1995, Joseph became an ordained minister in the Church of God In Christ where Elder Jeffrey Harvard is the Pastor. 

Distinguished Foster Grandparent

After his retirement at the age of 73, it was his love of children that led him to volunteer as a Foster Grandparent at both Fifth Avenue and Oakhurst Elementary schools in Decatur, Georgia. As ‘Grandpa’ he led children at the greatest risk of school failure on the path to literacy. Through his seven years of effort, love, and devotion, student test scores and reading levels improved.  Grandpa’s community service was recognized though his selection to carry the Olympic Torch at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joseph was known for his endearing personality.  He never met a stranger, to him everyone was family.  He will be sorely missed by all those that knew and loved him.  He leaves to mourn his passing his sister Eunice Scott, his six daughters and twin-sons Sylvia McCullough-Dixon (Julius), Geneva Singletary-Johnson (Marshall), Betty Singletary, Joshua and Jonathan Sherman, Arlen Sherman-Lewis (Michael), Frances Sherman and Dolores Sherman, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.  

 Service Information