Joe, the middle child of the family, was born October 4, 1936 to the union of Mary Lee Jackson and James Maxwell Stripling.

The kids teased each other because after the death of mom, our father re-married Mrs. Myrtle (Thompson) his bride also had six children. James Jr.,Wilber Joe, Andrew, Norma Jean, Carolyn and Ronald. They called themselves the "Original Brady Bunch". Unfortunately, all of the Thompson are deceased also.

Joe grew up in the West End and was educated in the Catholic school system. St Ann's Elementary school and DePorres High School. He attended Xavier University evening college until he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

In June 1960 Joe entered the US Army. He served five years active as a stenographer in the Army Reserves. In September 1965 he was honorably discharged having obtaining the rank of Specialist E-5 also having been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the first Oak Leaf Cluster, two of the highest medals awarded during peacetime service.

Upon his return to Cincinnati, Joe met ,fell in love with and married a wonderful young women named Sarah Elizabeth Allen. One year following their marriage, Sarah blessed the families with the birth of their one and only son Johnathan. However, on October 2 (the same date of their marriage) Thirty-two years later Joe and Sarah decided to divorce. Although it seems they couldn't live together in peace, they remained friends and continued their love and concern for each other until Sarah's death in 2012.

Joe loved the Lord. In the early 1970's he left the Catholic Church and joined Inspirational Baptist Church where he was baptized b his Pastor and dear friend Rev. E. O. Thomas. After about 10 years and many Bible Courses at Temple Bible College along with a correspondence course from Liberty Baptist Bible College, Joe left Inspirational  and the family joined Pastor James E Milton and the Southern Baptist Church. As a member of Southern Baptist , Joe was encouraged to flourish in the ministry. Over a period of time, he served as a "New Members Counselor" a new members teacher. Eventually Joe was asked to serve as a Deacon, ordained and served as Secretary of the Board. Joe also sang in the Early morning choir. He taught Sunday School Class #1 as Mrs. Ollie M. Bolton's assistant. Although he loved the church and the work of the church, Joe's favorite ministry was the Paul Timothy Ministry - the discipleship ministry.

Approximately 25 years ago Joe was called to the preaching ministry. He preached  whenever and wherever he was needed. On January 13, 2021 Joe stepped off the back porch of time onto the front porch of eternity.

He leaves Johnathon his son, Jordan his grandson to mourn him. He will be missed by mother in law, Anna Lewis, sister in laws; Eleanora Clark, Louise Darius, cousins; Phillip Willis, Charlene Blair, his daughter in law; Devona Stripling, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

 Visitation is from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at the Southern Baptist Church, 3556 Reading Road, Cincinnati  (45229).   The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Interment will follow at Vine Street Hill Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Joseph or leave a special message for the Stripling family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."  

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Stripling family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.