Joseph Edward Lomax

Joseph Edward Lomax, Sr. who was also lovingly known as “Chuck” and “Papa Joe” was born on June 24, 1943 in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. to Elizabeth Williams and Edward Lomax. Joseph was the eldest of two children. Joseph was a long-time member of San Jose Word Faith Christian Center where he served as a Deacon and Youth Sunday School teacher. He was also part of the Relevant Ministries team that ministered to people who were in a convalescent home in Oakland, CA. once a month. He served in the United States Air Force from 1960-1964, the U.S. Army from 1967-1970 and then the Army National Guard.

In 1978, Joseph received an A.A. Degree in Computer Operations from the University of District Columbia, Washington, D.C., and in 1983, he earned a B.A. Degree in African American Studies from San Jose State University. In 1992, he completed a Tutor Training Workshop Reading Program at Santa Clara County Library, San Jose, CA.

Joseph was employed at Varian Associates in Palo Alto, CA. beginning in 1978 where he held several positions. In 1988, he was a Project Director at Foothill Community College, Los Atos, CA. He also worked as a Child Care Assistant in 1990 at the P.A.C.E. School of Autism, Sunnyvale, CA. Joseph also worked at the United States Post Office as a Mail Handler until his retirement in 2007.

After retirement, Joseph worked part- time for the Santa Clara County Father/Male Involvement Collaborative, c/o FIRST 5 for several years where he established numerous relationships.

“Papa Joe” as he was so fondly called by many, was the owner of a Silk Flower business, called Christian Crafts and more by Papa Joe featuring his custom designed beautiful arrangements for church events, book club events, and special occasions. He was also a strong advocate of education, an avid reader and member of “Turning Pages Book Club” for many years.

Joseph enjoyed his volunteer in various programs such as The Tutor-Functional Illiterate Persons program in which he taught/tutored basic skills reading and writing; he also coordinated-senior citizens’ social programs and was a tutor for basic skills reading and writing at Elmwood and San Jose Correctional Facilities.

Some of the many awards and accolades Joseph received for his voluntary community services- include the following: Who’s Who in Community Colleges; Martin Luther King Community Service Award (Foothill Community College, Los Altos, CA.) National Council of Nationalities Services; Certificate for Tutor Training Workshops-Santa Clara County Library Reading Program 1992,1994; Senior Literacy Reading Program-Washington, D.C. 1977 and more.

Joseph was also a member of AA/NA where he attended meetings in both Gilroy and Hollister, CA. He had 27+ years of sobriety.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Elizbeth Epps and Edward Lomax and nephew Lewis Edward Lomax.

He is survived by his loving family and friends: Wife, Charlie Louise (Morgan Hill, CA.); Aunt Delores West, Aunt Evelyn Davis, Aunt Peggy Lomax, Aunt Peggy Wilder and Cousin Butch Pryor (Washington, D.C.); Sister, Margaret Lomax (Suitland, MD.); Mother-In-Law, Constance Kahn (Rodeo, CA.); Son Joseph Lomax Jr. (Shantese) (Brandywine, MD.); Daughters, Joyce Lomax and Sherri Gipson (Glenn) San Jose, CA.); Sharaye Bellamy (Northridge, CA.); Niece, LaShalle Lomax and son Andre Seth (Suitland, MD.); Godchildren, Andre and Stephanie Wilmont (Fremont, CA.), Josiah Brown (San Jose, CA.); Grandchildren, Chanel, Raynel and Kelli Lomax and Kirstyn and Khristian Henderson, C’aira Neal (Washington, D.C.) Tyrell Brown, Chester Monroe III., and LaTia Gipson (San Jose, CA.); Great grandchildren, Sherrell, Tyrell Jr., Josiah and Chester IV., and longtime friend Joseph Smith (Smitty), brothers- in -law, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.