Otis W. Joseph Jr.

Otis Jr. was born to Julia B. (Davis) and Otis W. Joseph Sr. in St. Joseph, Michigan on January 18, 1963.  He was the fourth of five children.  He grew up in Sodus, Michigan.  After graduation from Benton Harbor High in 1981, he attended Michigan State University

While at Benton Harbor High he was a percussionist in the symphony orchestra and the pep band.  Also, Otis was one of the best (high stepping) Drum Majors at Benton Harbor High.  In 1981, Otis was selected as the Best Male Marcher of the Benton Harbor Marching Band. 

Otis Jr. began his career as a Research Specialist Supervisor for the Grant Thornton LLP Accounting Firm located in Chicago, Illinois.  Otis was employed there from 1989 until his early retirement due to ongoing medical conditions.  While at Grant Thornton, Otis was selected as employee of the year.  During his career, Otis touched many lives until his departure and thereafter.

One of Otis’ many passions of life was his love for travel.  His world-traveling began in Europe with visits to the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Canary Islands, Belgium, Italy, or where ever his traveling itch led him.  He developed many lifelong friendships from his many travels.  Otis even accompanied his loving parents for their 50th wedding anniversary to Paris, France, where he was their personal tour guide.

He served as a 4-H member and leader with his father.  Otis served in many capacities during his 4-H tenure.  Otis represented Berrien County 4-H at the Lansing Michigan 4-H conference.  He participated in many Berrien County Youth Fair 4-H exhibits.  He was a consummate host and entertainer.  Otis had astonishing dinner and New Year’s Eve parties.  He was smooth on the roller skates.  Otis was an avid lover of sports, especially his Chicago Bears.

Otis had a kind spirit, he was a gentleman and was one of the most endearing individuals you will ever meet.  We will always remember his wonderful smile.

Otis Joseph Jr. departed this life peacefully at the Center of Hospice Care in South Bend, Indiana on December 25th, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Otis Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother Julia B. Joseph (Mishawaka, IN), four sisters; Priscilla Joseph (Mishawaka, IN), Deborah Jackson(Robert), (Stamford, CT); Lesia Joseph (Grand Rapids, MI); and LaDonna Joseph (Mishawaka, IN), three nephews; Jakobi Jackson (Bethesda, MD), Jirani Jackson (Boston, MA), Jelani Jackson (Stamford, CT) and one godson; Jordan Ford (Kalamazoo, MI); and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Otis W. Joseph Sr.; his grandparents, Maggie B. and Iseah Joseph and Mary Joe and Racine Davis Sr.

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