Joe Edward Sturdivant

Joe was born in Cary June 23, 1934 to Edward and Annie Mann Sturdivant. He graduated from Cary High School in 1952 with a class that remained dear friends, often meeting at least annually as a group, for all his life. In 1956 he graduated from UNC Chapel Hill – then and always A Tarheel. After serving in the US Navy he married his childhood sweetheart (whom he first met at his sixth birthday party), Edna Earle Cooper, on February 13, 1960. While working in Virginia their first son Mark was born (1961), and David joined the family (1965) after their move back to Cary.

Joe began his career work, in 1965, with the newly-formed NC Community College system. Through 30+ years with NCCC he found considerable joy and purpose, including being a key player in recruiting foreign and domestic industry to the then-fledgling and now renowned Research Triangle Park. In these efforts, like his life as a whole, his enthusiasm and enjoyment of interacting with others was clear and treasured. For these significant contributions to his home state, he was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, upon his retirement in 1996, by Governor Jim Hunt.

In addition to his job, Joe found meaning and fulfillment as a dedicated member of Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon and elder. Music, particularly singing, was one of his lifelong joys, as a member of church choirs as well as numerous town singing groups. He gained and provided much while serving his town as long-time Cary Rotary Club member, and in later years volunteering with Wheels For Hope.

As a bonafide “people person”, Joe truly loved life. Family, including extended family in South Carolina, were so dear to him, and reunions, trips south were frequent. For his many friends and family, Joe will be remembered and treasured for his outgoing easy gracious selfless way of making all those around him feel the better for it.

Joe is survived by his wife, Edna Earle Sturdivant; children, Mark Sturdivant (Tracy) and David Sturdivant (Linda); grandchildren, Jessica Sturdivant Coleman (Win), Adam Sturdivant, and Troy Sturdivant, as well as many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Sturdivant and sister-in-law, Nancy Turner Sturdivant.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Joe’s honor be made to Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, or to Wheels For Hope.

Memorial services will be held at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4900 Kaplan Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27606 on Wednesday, January 18 at 2:00 pm, with a reception and visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall.

Condolences can be shared at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home's website: www.brownwynnecary.com