Joel Emmanuel Washington

 

 

Joel Emmanuel Washington, 81, of North Chesterfield, Virginia departed this life at 6:15 am on January 27, 2021. 

Joel was born December 22, 1939 to Mary Viola Washington in Charles City, Virginia where he had the honor of being the oldest of 14 siblings. 

His early education was obtained in Charles City, Virginia and he graduated from Ruthville High School in Ruthville, Virginia. He went on to attend Virginia State University. He was passionate about his country and on July 22, 1963, answered the call to service and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the Vietnam War and went on to a decorated 32-year career of service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve.  He retired as a Master Sergeant with several Medals of Commendation. 

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Irma Elaine Tose on August 27, 1970. Their union was blessed with a loving daughter,        Gwendolyn Melissa. 

He married the love of his life, Beverly Moore, on July 29, 1977 and remained happily married for 38 years until she preceded him in death on December 22, 2015. Also preceding him in death were his mother, Mary Viola Washington Trower, his step-father, Reverend Sandy Trower, four sisters: Kate Trower, Gloria Trower, Paulette Trower Delaney, Lois Washington Lemon; and three brothers: Purcell Trower, Sandy Trower Jr., and Thomas Washington Tyler. 

At an early age, Joel dedicated his life to Christ and lovingly referred to him as JTC or Jesus Thee Christ. Upon moving to Richmond, he never officially joined a church home, but often volunteered and dedicated his life to service. 

Joel was very active in his community and served as the President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 80 and the Uno Camping Club. He was a member of the BIW of Petersburg and Glenn Chief at his beloved campgrounds, Indian Acres. He also ran several activities for the 80th Group Army Unit. 

On the most personal of levels, he was a devoted friend and doting father and grandfather. He was always the first person to volunteer to help or nurse someone back to health. 

 

His hobbies included traveling, camping, cruising, and cooking. 

Joel leaves behind to cherish his loving memory his daughter, Gwendolyn Melissa “Missy” Knowlton (Loren) ; three grandchildren, Mayah Joelle Knowlton, Loren Andrew “Bubby” Knowlton II, and Gabrielle Delayne “Gabby”  Knowlton; his brother, Horace Trower; his sisters, Ervine T. Brown, Louise Odessa White, Prince T. Wallace, Joyce Trower-Penny (William), Patricia T. Fox; two aunts, Lillie Mae Armstead and Gladys Armstead; a host of nieces and nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews and  very special set of friends that acted as caregivers, Charlotte and James Purnell and family, and Karen and James Rainey and family.