Vernon Francis (Vern) Joseph, Jr.

Vernon "Vern" Francis Joseph, Jr. was born on January 3, 1954, to the late Vernon Francis Joseph, Sr. and Peggy Elaine Towles Joseph in Washington, D.C. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Vern answered God's call and entered eternal rest.

Vern was the eldest of Joseph, Sr. and Peggy's six children. His father was an Air Force officer, therefore, his early years were marked by rich and diverse experiences and education that took him from the District of Columbia to Germany and Portland, Oregon. During these years, he excelled academically as well as in sports baseball and track. One of his fondest memories was when he caught the game winning ball in his little league championship game. After graduating from John Adams High School in Portland, Oregon, he earned a scholarship to attend Portland State University.

Driven by his love for community and culture, Vern returned to Washington, D.C. where he built a life rooted in connections with family and service. He held several positions throughout the years, culminating in a successful career at Verizon, Inc.

During the summer of 2000, Vern met Valencia and their bond was evident to all who knew them. In 2009, he asked for her hand in marriage. Together, they created a beautifully blended family, fondly referring to themselves as the "Brady Bunch".

Vern retired from Verizon in 2016. This new chapter of his life brought new adventures and Vern enthusiastically embraced them. He was an Uber driver and this allowed him the flexibility to pursue his passions: lawn care, visiting family and friends, browsing online and purchasing classic cars, traveling, and, of course, taking well-earned naps.

Faith was an integral part of Vern's life. On many Sundays, Vern and Valencia attended services at both Full Gospel Tabernacle and St. Teresa of Avila. Vern was Catholic, therefore, held a special love for St. Teresa, Monsignor East, and the Men of St. Teresa (M.O.S.T.). He often brought his grandsons to Saturday M.O.S.T. meetings hoping to inspire them to grow into productive and strong men of faith.

In his journey beyond, Vern is reunited with his parents, his brother, Dominic and his beloved special cousins: Russell (David) Peek, Jr., Alvin Mason and Tarick Ali.

Vern leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Valencia, his children, Vernon Francis Joseph, III, Cassandra Medley, Monique Joseph and Jarrett Brown; his blended family, Chavona Dixon-Green (Maurice), Vincent Dixon and Victoria Dixon; his siblings, Ronald Joseph (Charlotte), Harry Joseph, Amelia Joseph Latty, Roberta Powell, Princess Joseph and Francis Joseph. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and cherished friends.

Vern will be remembered for his love of God, life, family, friends and The Washington Commanders. His infectious humor lit up a room and he spread joy to those around him and he never "met a stranger". He lived a life of joy and peace and lived it on his own terms. He will surely be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

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