Obituary of Joseph Searles

Joseph Searles, the son of the late Fred and Rosa Lee (Mims) Searles of McCormick, South Carolina was born on March 13, 1935, and departed this life on February 7, 2022, peacefully. Joseph accepted Christ at an early age and attended Springfield AME Church in McCormick, South Carolina. He attended Springfield School System. He went into the Army at an early age. After serving in the Armed Forces, he moved to Palmyra, New Jersey in 1955. In 1955 Joseph was employed at JK Porter Corporation for many years. After J K Porter closed its doors, he began working at Hoeganese Corporation in Riverton, New Jersey. He worked there for over 30 years. After retiring from Hoeganese Corporation, Joseph worked at Cadbury Retirement Home for many years. He retired form Cadbury Retirement Home to care for his wife after she became ill. On December 21, 1957, Joseph was united in holy matrimony with Naomi Odessa Moore and to their union one child was born, Karen Marie Searles. Joseph was affectionally known as “Joe” by all and enjoyed a happy and full life with his loving wife. He was a devoted husband, father, cousin, uncle, and friend to many. Joseph insisted his wife remain at home during her illness and cared for her until her passing in 2009. Joseph truly loved the Lord and moved to Camden, New Jersey in 1960 and joined Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church in 1960. He was a member of Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church for over 50 years. During his time at Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church Joseph faithfully served on the Usher Board, Trustee Board, Men’s Planning Committee, and enjoyed visiting the sick and shut in after Sunday services. In 2010 Joseph joined St Matthew AME Church and faithfully served his church until illness prevented him from attending regular services. Prior to his illness Joseph always enjoyed working in his garden and spending leisurely time with his wife during their marriage. You could always see his smile lighting up the room. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Elliot, John, Carrie, Phillip, Elizabeth, Elmer, Nellie, Gladys, and Essie T., who are now in the loving arms of the Lord. Joseph is survived by his only child, Karen Marie Searles of Cedarbrook, New Jersey, his sister, Doris Scott of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a god child Jonn’ell Cuff, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Special thanks to all his neighbors during his time of illness, especially Mrs. Eloise Roosevelt and Mr. John Taylor. Special recognition and heartfelt thank you for extended acts of kindness to Gregory Criner. Joseph often spoke of Gregory as his dearest friend. One of Joseph’s most cherished scriptures was 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Lovingly Submitted, The Family