Joseph "Joe" Christopher

JOSEPH “JOE” CHRISTOPHER, 88, of Houston, Texas went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 10, 2010, He was at home with his beloved family at his side. Joe loved life and promoted positivity to all who encountered him. He was born of proud parents Henry and Annie Christopher on February 19, 1922 in Houston, Texas and survived his five siblings Herbert Christopher, Clara Margiolis, Alma Walker, Norman Christopher, and Sadie Gilbert.

Joe attended Lamar Elementary School, Marshall and Jeff Davis High School, in Houston, Texas. He served as a Petty Officer, third class gunner mate for four years during WWII in the United States Navy. He was on four different ships during his 32 months of Sea Duty. He entered the Navy with the 1,000 Volunteers to man the new cruiser “USS Houston” He was awarded several Ribbons and Stars for his service and witnessed many life altering war- related events.

Joe was the owner of Duffy’s Famous Lounge located at 1900 Travis in Houston for over 30 years. He was also co-owner of La Rivera Club, also in Houston. Later, Joe worked as a Real Estate Broker for many years.

For over 40 years, he enjoyed spending time at his bay home, fishing and crabbing with family and friends.

Joe is a member of St. George Orthodox Christian Church and was a founder of St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Church, both in Houston.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years Sammie Westbrook-Christopher, two loving daughters Cynthia Ferris and husband Steve, and Donna Christopher, four grandchildren Kimberly Zamprelli and husband Steve, Nicole Temple and husband Pirolo, Frank Hill IV, Christopher Hill and Fiancé Ingrid, great- grandchildren Jacob Koch, Anthony Zamprelli, and Abigail Hill, brother-in-laws, Sidney Westbrook and wife Debbie, Charels Westbrook and wife Brenda, and Earl Gilbert, sister-in-law Judy Westbrook, godchildren Kenneth Margiolis and Sharon Leigh. Joe’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren proudly called him “BoBo”.

For 38 years, Joe battled with heart diseases. He underwent three open heart surgeries, all performed by surgeon Grady Hallman. He expresses extreme gratitude to all of his cardiologist, Donald Rochell, M.D., Oralndo Terneny, M.D., Antonio Younis, M.D., and George Younis, M.D., and to all the wonderful staff who assisted and cared for him, especially Carolyn and Rhonda. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 14, 2010, 5pm at the Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. A Trisagion service will follow at 7pm. The funeral service is scheduled for Friday 10am at St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 3505 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77005. Interment to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, Joe would be delighted for donations to be made to St. George Orthodox Christian Church 3505 at Bissonnet Houston, Texas 77005-2117and/or St. Anthony the Great Orthodox Christian Church at 6046 FM 2920 Box 309 Spring, Texas 77379.