Joseph Gee

Mr. Joseph “Joe” Gee departed his earthly home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at 7:30 am. He was a loving and kind person; loved by all who met him. Joseph was the son of Doreatha Gee and the late James H. R. Gee, Sr. He was born on October 5, 1958 in Portsmouth, VA and was the fifth eldest of twelve children. He attended school in the Portsmouth Public School system and received his GED after entering the US Army in 1977. While serving in the Army, Joseph completed the Infantryman and Airborne courses. He also received the expert rifle and parachutist badges and the Army Achievement Medal. After leaving the military he returned to Norfolk, VA where he worked as a Meat Cutter (Butcher) at the Commissary. Early in life he had the ability to always make people laugh and smile. He was also known throughout the city for his basketball skills. He loved playing ball with his friends and with anyone that was interested in a pick-up game. Sports have always been apart of his life and for as long as any of us can remember, Joe was an Oakland Raiders fan. Joseph met and married the love of his life, Laurie Ann Griggs (preceded him in death) and it would be 5 years before the first of their two sons were born. As the boys got old enough to attend school, Joseph really enjoyed walking them to and from school.; taking them to the beach and of cause just hanging out with them. He later had another son that lived in a different city than he did, but he tried to spend as much time as possible with him too. As a young man, Joseph accepted Jesus Christ into his life. He spent many days talking about the Bible with his niece. He also loved music and gospel music was included. His favorite gospel song was “Something about the Name Jesus”. He would tell everyone to be quiet when it came on the radio. His sons also remembers how he would always listen to “old “ R&B music by the Spinners. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Laurie Ann Gee; father James H.R. Gee Sr.; sister Margie Ann Melvin; maternal grandparents George and Clara Artis; his paternal grandparents Clister and Harriet Onnie Gee and several uncles, aunts and cousins. Joseph “Joe” Gee leaves to cherish his memory three sons: Arman Y. Gee and Jamel M. Gee of Raleigh, NC and Josh Y. Gee of Richmond, VA; his mother Doreatha Clanton Gee of Raleigh, NC; seven brothers; Carl Clanton (Georgia) of Jackson, NC, James H. R. Gee, Jr. (Vanessa) of Portsmouth, VA, Larry T. Gee (Darlene) 0f VA Beach, VA, Wade L. Lyons of Portsmouth, VA, Phillip P. Gee of Elizabeth City, NC; Tony Gee (Renee) of Portsmouth, VA, Calvin Hayes of Portsmouth, VA; three sisters; Carol McFadden (Freddy) of Raleigh, NC, Patricia A. Graves of Portsmouth, VA and Evelyn Ghant (Richard) of Selma, AL; one uncle; Clister Gee of Weldon, NC; five aunts; Betty Deloatch of Seaboard, NC, Maxine Bynum of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Verdie Gadson of Woodbridge, VA, Gloria Artis of Richmond, VA, and Dozine Artis of Boykins, VA; a host of nieces (honorable mention: Chrisyarna Gee, Nina and Ericka Griggs), nephews (honorable mention: Jamie Gee who shared his birthday) and many cousins, mother-in-law (Ms. Griggs), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and friends.

Joseph Gee

October 5, 1957 - March 6, 2018