Mr. Joe Addie Pennygraph

Born on April 24, 1936, Joe Addie Pennygraph filled our lives with laughter for 87 years. He was a survivor of both prostate and colon cancer. He was called home to rest on November 30, 2023 after dealing with complications of pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Washington County in Brenham, Texas to Lizzie and Jim Pennygraph. His mother passed away several months after giving birth and he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Tom and Lena Johnson.

After moving to Houston, Texas, Joe married Faye Evelyn Baker on August 29, 1970 and he brought to their union his two children, Jacqueline and Fredrick Bryan. After 13 years of marriage a baby girl was born, Shaniea Traychelle Pennnygraph-Compaore’. They enjoyed 33 hilarious years together until the Lord called her home.

He confessed his life to Christ and became a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. S.J. Gilbert, Sr. and remained a faithful member under the current leadership of Dr. S.J. Gilbert, II until the Lord said, “Well Done”. His spiritual journey became a source of strength, a beacon of light, and a guide for him through the challenges of illness and the loss of his brother-in-law, neighbor, and best friend, James Charles Mitchell, Sr., with new found grace.

Joe Addie Pennygraph attended school in Independence, Texas. Although he did not graduate from high school, he shared stories about life during racial discrimination, and working in the cotton fields to help support his family. These were stories of endearment and lessons he instilled in his family. “You have to work for what you want.” He was no stranger to hard work. Throughout his life he wore many hats. You may ask why did his food taste so good? Well that’s because he was a front-line cook at Ellington Fields. He was a BBQ connoisseur and well known for his smothered rabbit. Why the love for music? Well that’s because he worked at a piano company transporting and tuning pianos. “Music feeds the soul.” Joe was also employed at Continental EMCO and beating the odds with no education, in July 1974, he was initiated into the International Brotherhood of Broilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Local Lodge 469. He continued to preserve and earned his certification through Houston Community College Systems as a certified welder in August 1974. From there he went to work at Houston Independent School District and McGregor Clinic in their Facilities, Maintenance, and Operation Department. After 18 years of service with H.I.S.D he retired, with the mindset of “money don’t go bad.” Being the hard working man he’s known to be, he started a lawn service focused on helping his church family and grew into business. He was very meticulous about his yards and kept them well manicured. He was very knowledgeable about landscaping and flower beds. His yard was the best on the block until he became ill. He only trusted his friend, Clarence McGowen, to maintain his precious yard. He lived each day with purpose and joy.

He was affectionately known as “Uncle Joe” to most. Joe was a matter of fact person that loved his family and friends, going down I-10, backyard shindings, but most of all spending time with his grandchildren, Kalyn and Kaden. There was never a dull moment when in his presence. He loved to laugh and joke around but there was always a life lesson to apply. He always said, “Remember, in the end all you have is your word.”

He was preceded in death by his wife Faye Evelyn, his brothers, James Willie and Tommie Davis; his sisters, Willie Dale, Nettie, Rosie, Annie Mae, Lena, and Clayetta.

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories: his daughters, Deborah Sullivan, Jacqueline Bryan, Shaniea Pennygraph-Compaore (Dominique Compaore); his son, Fredrick Bryan, his grandchildren, Kalyn and Kaden; his niece Adell Hill; his great nieces Johnnie Mae Moore and Rosetta Farmer; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, loved ones, and friends.

A visitation for Joe will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt Sinai Baptist Church, 902 W 8th St, Houston, TX 77007. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 902 W 8th St, Houston, TX 77007. A committal service will occur Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Paradise Cemetery North, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, Texas 77088.