MR. JOEL HIRAM SILVER SR.
March 19, 1921-Dec. 1, 2016
"If a task is once begun,
Never leave it 'til it's done
Be the labor great or small;
Do it well or not at all."
-- Anonymous
The above quotation seems almost apocalyptical to the life of Joel H. Silver Sr. He quoted it often.
Joel was born March 19, 1921, to Elijah and Obelia Silver in Dudley, N.C.
He went to live with God Dec. 1, 2016.
His "task" began in McDaniel Rosenwald School, near Enfield in Halifax County, N.C.
At the age of 10, he assumed many of the responsibilities of running his family's farm.
When he was 15, the Silver family moved to Goldsboro, and Joel enrolled in the seventh grade, but, he had to leave school to support his family.
He went back to school at age 24, and graduated from Dillard High School in 1948, with support from his loyal and loving wife, Augusta King Silver, who preceded him in death.
He loved telling the story, "This is the girl who told my mother that she would take me to school the first day I entered Dillard High School. She became my wife nine years later."
Joel pursued further study with the Commercial Trade Institute in Chicago, and received a diploma in radio and television repair.
He served in the 9th Cavalry of United States Armed Forces.
He also worked for Atlas Plywood Corp. in Goldsboro; Bell-Line Hamilton in Eddystone, Pa.; with the late Alex Parks as a paint contractor; and Goldsboro city schools.
It was through his skills as a painter that he was able to accomplish what he considered his "greatest task and achievement," that of educating his seven children.
Joel was a deacon in United Holy Church of America for more than 72 years. He was a member of All Saints United Holy Church for many years.
At his death, he was a member of Plumbline United Holy Church in Enfield, N.C., founded by his grandfather, the Rev. Joseph Silver Sr.
Joel was one of 12 children. Seven preceded him in death.
He leaves to mourn his death three sisters, Dorcas Patterson of Goldsboro, Martha Odell Knight (Irvin) of Virginia Beach, Va., and Ruby Rodgers (Henry) of Kinston, and a brother, James Roy Silver of Washington, D.C.
He also leaves his seven loving children, Gloria J. Silver of Goldsboro, Esther Silver-Parker (Ronald) of Rogers, Ark., Dr. Linda Silver Coley (Bobby) of Greensboro, Joel H. Silver Jr. (Adrian) of Charlotte, Patricia Silver Kittrell (Tyrone) of Charlotte, Dr. Joseph H. Silver Sr. (Rosalyn) of Atlanta, Ga., and Shelton Silver (Tammy) of Wake Forest.
In addition, he leaves three daughters-in-law, Cassandra Best, Cassandra Barnes and Gwen Bynum; one son-in-law, Otis Turner; and a special brother-in-law, Roosevelt Shadding.
He also leaves five special people who assisted with his care, including a niece, Niagra Johnson, Shelia Lee, Rosalind Moore, and two special nephews, the Rev. Roosevelt Johnson and Dr. Elbert Johnson.
Also cherishing his memory are 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews.
Homegoing services will be held, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at noon at Love Temple, 201 N. Oak Forest Road, Goldsboro, N.C. Elder Phillip Rountree will be officiating.
Military rites will be held following the homegoing service at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, N.C.
A public viewing for Mr. Silver will take place Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton Funeral Chapel, 423 S. James St., Goldsboro, N.C. The family will be present from 6 to 7 p.m.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on December 8, 2016 9:58 AM