Joseph Crittenden Jr.

On July 15, 1937, Mildred Whittaker of New Orleans,  LA was blessed with her first born son Joseph Crittenden Jr. He was affectionately known as Joe, Husband, Daddy, Pops, Papa, Mr. Joe, Mr. Crittenden,  Uncle Joe, Papa Joe, J.C., and his CB handle, “Groundshaker”.

Joe spent much of his childhood years in New Orleans with his grandmother Frances Gray. At the age of 13, he moved to San Diego, CA to reside with his aunt and mother. Joe attended both Memorial Junior High and San Diego High School. He would later complete his education at ECC in 1982.

Joe proudly entered into the United States Marine Corps in October of 1955. His MOS was Infantry and he garnered awards as an M-1 Rifle Sharpshooter. Joe was Honorably Discharged June 1958. After his military enlistment, Joe worked a variety of jobs until he discovered his love for truck driving and heavy equipment operation. 

Joe did well for himself and fulfilled his dream of love the day he met Alma Ferguson in 1964. After courting, the two married at New Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in San Diego in 1971. Their marriage blossomed and their union grew with five children. In 1972, Joe and Alma became proud homeowners also in San Diego.

Joe, was a proud Mason for many years and was united with Fidelity Hall in San Diego. He was an expert truck driver and with Carnation Dairy. After they moved their location out of San Diego, Joe transitioned to Foremost Dairy and later with Vons Grocery. He retired from Vons as a Truck Driver Foreman in 1997. In his retirement, Joe honed his bowling and pool shooting skills, completed home improvement projects, and rededicated his life to God. While retirement was good to Joe, he went back to work part time with Job Corp and Salvation Army.

Joe and Alma’s home was always open to family and friends. They have provided support and love to many family members. Friends and love ones refereed to them as “Pops and Nana”. He and Alma also grew their family with the addition of Marcus Wilson and Leanna Crittenden. In 2004, Joe became a Deacon at New Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. At this time he gained another title, “Deac” short for Deacon.

Joe and Alma sold their cherished home in 2006 for an opportunity to create new memories. They moved to Victorville, CA and began to establish a new norm while creating new bonds and friendships. In 2013, they moved to Arizona to really “retire” and live near their daughter, Erika. In Arizona, they again reestablished themselves and enjoyed the new bonds and relationships they created. Even in Arizona, Joe and Alma continued to be referred lovingly as “Pops and Nana” to everyone who crossed their paths. Joe was deeply loved. His earthly presence will be truly missed by all. Joe was known for his quick wit, joyful smile, love for the blues, his grilling skills, his sharp sense of style, his dancing skills (he loved to skate), his demand for respect and doing what’s right, and the need to keep order, Which sometimes meant keeping the kids and their balls out of his yard.

Arizona is where Joe lived until he was called to his Heavenly Home Wednesday afternoon on July 12, 2017, Joseph Crittenden Jr. crossed over to be with the Lord, surrounded by his wife of 46 years and his children. He left this physical earth knowing that he was loved, honored, and respected. On this day, shortly after Joe obtained his wings, the sky opened up and rain washed away the sadness and a beautiful bright rainbow appeared over their home. It was a sign that confirmed Joe was Blessed by God.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Crittenden; his sister, Julia Ewell; his brother, Chester McGolthem and two nieces, Juvena Ewell and Angela Blackmon.

He is survived by his loving wife Alma F. Crittenden; sons, Patrick Abernathy, Gerald Ferguson, Peter Ferguson and Marcus Wilson; daughters, Jennifer Forney, Ericka Crittenden-Kowall and Leanna Crittenden; grandchildren; Kenneth Ferguson, Jamar Ferguson, Artavia Abernathy, Darrel Forney, Isaiah Forney, Marquisha Ferguson, Olivia Kowall, and Cyrus Kowall; five great-grandchildren, hosts of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.