Joseph "Big Jo" Boatner

Joseph Boatner, of Benton Harbor, transitioned to his eternal home on March 25, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo  Michigan, with family members by his side, at the age of 50.

Joseph was born  February 22, 1975, to the union of the late Joseph Jr. and Arildell Boatner in Benton Harbor Michigan. They welcomed their baby boy into the world and named him Joseph. We are not sure if the parents knew that the name “Joseph” meant “God will increase or God shall add.”

This meaning suggests a blessing of abundance and growth, aligning with the ideal of God’s increasing love and goodness in a person’s life.

The family definitely increased with Joseph being the ninth child born into the family. There were eight other siblings eagerly awaited along with his parents to provide nurturing, love, and care for the new arrival.

Joseph was educated in the Benton Harbor area schools where he enjoyed playing basketball during his early school years. He was an incredibly good basketball player but later decided to play football with the Benton Harbor High School Tigers. Joseph also enjoyed lifting weights and running track with his best friend since eighth grade, Mathis Whitaker. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1994. Joseph became a follower of Jesus Christ in his later years of life.

Joseph, affectionately called “Big Jo” by his family and close friends was very well loved and known in the community. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. One of his favorite hobbies was collecting old school cars. He knew no strangers and was always extending love, not only to his family but with friends.

Joseph’s memories will always be cherished by all who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory in the hearts of his special friend Keisha Wilburn, son, Deandre Jewan Boatner, daughter, Jakia Boatner, 3 brothers: Archie Davis Jr, Keith Allen Davis Benton Harbor, MI; Glenn (Bettie) Davis, of Houston, TX.; sisters: Sandra Lynn Davis, Lori Ann Davis, Angelina Boatner of Benton Harbor, MI; Mavia Denise Davis of Kalamazoo, MI; Barbara (Shawn) Bolden, Angela Boatner of Indianapolis, IN; Best friend Mathis Whitaker; Nakita Jeffery of Benton Harbor; Benjamin Carter (god brother) and a host of loving nieces, cousins, nephews and extended family, and friends.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Jr., and Arildell Boatner, a son, Joseph Tyson “JoJo,” daughter, Joisha Boatner, sister, Venus Renee. Posthumous, brother, Rodney Ray Davis.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” Revelations 21:4 KJV

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