Mr. Joseph Eadie

Our dearly beloved Joseph “Joe Louis” Eadie departed this earthly life, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday, November 11, 2013. Born on February 9, 1941 in Charleston, SC, he was the son of the late Hilliard and Jannie Eadie and the 6th of 10 children. Raised in the Episcopal Church and educated in the Berkeley County School System, Joe had a knack for learning. Outside of the classroom, he naturally learned how to work with his hands and master various arts, such as carpentry and farming. Upon graduating from Central High School, he enrolled at Morris College in Sumter, SC. While attending school in Sumter, he met the love of his life, the beautiful Earthelene Johnson, at a community dance in January of 1962. Joe enlisted in the armed forces in 1963 and served his country in Germany. He and Eartha continued their courtship, long distance, until he returned in 1965. Then they became officially engaged. The two were married on May 6, 1966 and began a relationship that would last the next 47 years; with every year, binding them more firmly and lovingly together as one. Joseph graduated from Morris College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he began teaching Driver’s Education and Biology at Ebenezer High School in Dalzell, SC. In October 1968, Joseph was offered a chance of a lifetime in Michigan. This included a teaching position in Detroit and a chance to work towards a Masters Degree in Rochester, at Oakland University. Of course, he jumped at the opportunity to provide a better and more secure lifestyle for his family. By this time, the couple had added three little boys to their growing family. Such an ambitious move came with a huge sacrifice as the then family of five, arrived in Detroit with a mere bankroll of $20. Six years later, the couple would be blessed with a precious baby girl. Joseph taught Primary Unit at the Moore Elementary School from October to December of 1968. ; From January to March of 1969, he taught Science at the Joyce Elementary School. All of this was done while attending Oakland University at night. As a testament to God’s grace and mercy, he had the chance to demonstrate the abilities that would move him up the administrative ladder. While working as a Science teacher at Stephens Elementary, he was promoted to Assistant Principal. Due to his determination, he earned his Master’s Degree in April of 1970. In 1977, Joseph was baptized and came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He received HIS precious gift of the Holy Spirit. He joined The Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ where he was ordained as a Deacon and served faithfully in this, and several other capacities for over 30 years. In 1979, Joseph served as interim principal at several schools before becoming Principal at Dossin Elementary School, until he retired. In addition to his career as an administrator, Joe put his self-taught skills to work. He dabbled in numerous vocations, which allowed for multiple sources of income through his various entrepreneurial efforts. Joe retired from the Detroit Public School System in 1995. He and his wife moved back to South Carolina to reside in Columbia. But retirement didn’t stop him. After settling in Columbia, he worked as Director of the New Light Beulah Day Care Center in Hopkins, SC for a few years. He finally decided to retire altogether in 2007 and focus his efforts on his invention “Uncle Joe’s Hookaway”. He became a member of Long Creek Church of Christ where he devotedly worshiped and served for 3 years. He worked closely with his alumni committees for both High School and College. He also made it his priority to work with the Eadie, Rogers and Wiggins Family Reunion Committees. He spent the remainder of his life enjoying it to the fullest through travel, fishing, gardening, landscaping and most importantly, spending quality time with his family and friends. An adored husband, father, brother, uncle and cousin; Joe was a true pillar. He played a very significant role in the lives of his immediate and extended family. And although he loved his family, he loved the Lord all the more. He lived a life that exemplified such love. He will be sorely missed. He leaves to cherish precious memories: his loving wife, Eartha; his devoted children; sons, Maurice (Ramona) of Farmington Hills, MI, Tony of Conyers, GA, Reggie of Canton, MI; daughter, Tanya (Al) of Harrisburg, NC; one sister, Lucille Nelson (Clarence) of Cross, SC; one brother, Larry (Joanne) of Covington, GA; nine grandchildren, Yashi, Marcel, Brooklyn, Amari, Chavis, Tahj, Tylen, Alanah and Aniah; one great-grandson, Karter; and a host of very special nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and dear friends. Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Long Creek Church of Christ on Longtown Road. Interment will take place 1:00 pm on Monday, November 18, 2013 in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-7 pm Friday, November 15, 2013 at Palmer Memorial Chapel. Memorials and contributions may be made to The Joseph Eadie Foundation c/o Detroit Public Schools Foundation, Fisher Building, Suite 1004, 3011 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48202. The family request condolences and memorials be made to their webpage @www.palmermemorialchapel.com

Mr. Joseph Eadie

February 9, 1941 - November 11, 2013