Joe Black
Joe Black, aka Joaquin Eduardo Varner, 60, died on Friday, November 15, 2013 in a local hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Joe was born in Chattanooga and attended Riverside High School. He lived both here and in Atlanta, worked a number of odd jobs in both cities, and later devoted himself to friends and neighbors who were there for each other in sickness and in health. He grew up in New Enon Baptist Church and later joined Greater Pilgrim Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Edward Black, his parents, Rev. (Dr.) and Mrs. Andrew J. Bullard, Jr. (Peggie), and his sister, Mamie Maria Bullard.
Joe (fondly known by family as “Bunny”) is survived by his sisters and brothers: Edna Varner, Ernest (Jacqueline) Varner, Justino (Dailah) Varner, Yolander Black Palms, Rev. Andrew J. (Minister Angela) Bullard III, and Rev. Alexander J. (Marcella Kay) Bullard, Sr. He also leaves a wife, Linda Black, a son, Quincy DeWayne Lloyd, and daughter, Tanisha Black, along with 22 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and in-laws. He leaves behind dear friends, Glenda and Shay, and other 15th Avenue friends and neighbors who took special care of him when he became ill, and a large circle of old friends (Ann Glass, the Williams Family) and others from Alton Park and Avondale.
Most will remember Joe for his quick wit, his dancing, and his love of life. He was a Jack-of-all-Trades. He did not accomplish all of his goals and dreams, but he was never a quitter and he never stopped trying. We will never stop missing him.
The body will lie in state after noon on Thursday, Nov. 21, at the funeral home until 4 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5-6 p.m. at New Enon Baptist Church, 2302 Wilcox Blvd.
A funeral celebration will follow the visitation from 6-7 pm. at New Enon Baptist, 2302 Wilcox Blvd.
Interment will be on Friday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. at Highland Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.