Joe Louis Christopher

Obituary

Joe Louis Christopher was born in Chidester, Arkansas to Louis and Queenie Christopher on October 10, 1936. He was the sixth child of 16.

Joe had to leave school in grade 8 to help support his family by working various odd jobs throughout his childhood. He was baptized at an early age at Wyhtes Chapel AME Church in Rosston, Arkansas. In his early adulthood, Joe left Arkansas and relocated to Rockford, Illinois where he worked on factory assembly lines and in steel mills. He later moved to Los Angeles, California.

In December of 1961, Joe met Dicy Henderson, who at their first meeting, wasn’t very impressed by him; but after continuous and persistent courting, he convinced her to join him in holy wedlock on July 6, 1962. From their union three sons were conceived: Jeffery Andre, Gerald Renard, and Joe Lorenzo. He was honored to be the stepfather to Clifton Lamar and Yulonda Rochelle Henderson. Joe often took the family to the beach, to the airport to watch the planes take off and arrive, to the L.A. County Fair, Saturday trips to pick vegetables and fruit, and summer trips down south. He was a stern but loving dad that raised, along with Dicy, 5 responsible children. Dicy remained a faithful and loving wife for 61 years until death parted them.

Growing up Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing and as an adult he loved playing dominos with his friends and family. He enjoyed baseball and loved the Dodgers. While watching the Dodgers, he enjoyed eating his favorite snacks, which were watermelon and peanuts. His favorite players were Dusty Baker and Pedro “Pate-ro” Guerrero. Joe was an avid C.B.-er and his radio handle was “Band Aid Man.” All his buddies new his sign off when he’d say, “Band Aid Man kicking back, and we gone.” He loved to cook especially BBQ and smoking meat which was a cherished legacy he imparted to his sons. He loved playing music: Al Green, BB King, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin and so many more.

Throughout his employment career, Joe was a hard, dedicated worker who often had not only one, but two jobs at the same time, to support his family. Joe retired from the refinery industry.

Joe was a member of Praises of Zion for over 30 years where he served as a Deacon (he was ordained on May 26, 1999), sang in the men’s chorus, and cooked for the church picnics.

Joe’s greatest treasures that he held dearly were his family and the many friendships he had throughout his life. He was companionate and at the drop of a dime, he would help whoever was in need, without question.

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather went to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the age of 86.

Joe is survived by his cherished and loving wife Dicy, his children: Jeffery Christopher (Lee), Gerald Christopher, Joe (Angela) Christopher, Yulonda Henderson, Clifton Henderson; grandchildren: Markice Robinson, Trenesha Lewis (Cameron), Brittani DuBose, Ashlei Christopher, Monique Henderson, Daylan Christopher, Ciara Christopher, Donovan Christopher; 6 great granchidren, 1 great-great grandchild; sisters: Lorene Stovall of Milwaukee, WI, Pauline Christopher of Hawthorne, CA, Tricia Brown of Pomona, CA; brothers: Dennis Christopher of Pomona, CA, Lawrence Christopher of Ontario, CA, Jeffrey Christopher of Bossier City, LA and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Joe in death, his parents, Louis, Sr., and Queenie Christopher; brothers: Leo, Leodis, Jackie, Louis, Jr.; sisters: Naomi, Verna, Jean, Lillie, and Willie Mae.

The family request in lieu of flowers visit the following links.
Tribute Pages | Alzheimer's Association or
https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/other_ways_to_give/tributes
- once there look for the Find Tribute section and type in Joe Louis Christopher