Pastor Joe O. Vinson, Sr.

Pastor Joe Otis Vinson, Sr., a devoted servant of the Lord, was born on July 23, 1935, in Woodland, NC, to William Horace Vinson and Julia Fleetwood Vinson. He entered eternal rest on September 16, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. A man of many talents and an unwavering faith, Joe was a retired Crane Operator with the International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1248, Norfolk, VA. He worked for the City of Portsmouth Water Department and throughout his life, he was a laborer of all trades, but his true calling was in service to the Lord and his community. Joe’s spiritual journey began more than 65 years ago when he and his beloved wife, Martha Lillian Carney Vinson, whom he met while they both were working at the Circle restaurant in Portsmouth, Virginia, united in both marriage and ministry. Their union lasted almost 67 years, until Martha predeceased him in December 2020. Together, they shared an incredible legacy of love, faith, and dedication to the work of God. Elder Joe Vinson’s ministry touched countless lives through his deep commitment to prayer, worship, and service. Together with his beloved wife, they founded and led the Prayer Band Ministry, Home Prayer Meetings, Jail Ministry, and Hospital Ministry. They were also involved in visiting the sick and shut-in; and supported various church auxiliaries and ministries. They served for 20 years as Pastor and First Lady of Christian Community Outreach Church in Portsmouth, VA. Under their leadership, the church was blessed to build a new temple for the Lord, with the first service held in the newly constructed edifice in March 2013. On May 23, 2013, he received a Senator Louise Lucas Commendation for his dedicated service to the church and the community. Pastor Vinson’s contributions to the church extended beyond pastorship. He served as a Trustee since the 1960s, and as Virginia District Union President for over a few decades. He also played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of the Christian Antioch Palmer Street church building after it was damaged by fire in 1982. His love for God was demonstrated in his many roles, including Chairman of the Deacon Board, Church Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Senior Choir, Male Chorus, Minister, Elder, and Pastor. His strong leadership, firm yet compassionate spirit, and dedication to supporting the ministry and church were key to the growth and success of Christian Antioch Church In Christ, 2200 Palmer Street and Christian Community Outreach Church 1401 Mascott Street, Portsmouth, Virginia. Pastor Vinson’s favorite hymn was “God Said He Would Move This Wicked Race…Build Up A Nation That Shall Obey,” and his favorite scripture was Psalm 15:1-5: “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart…he that doeth these things shall never be moved.” He was known for his benevolence, often providing financial assistance and housing to those in need, as well as supporting ministries with his time, prayers, and gifts. He loved to say, “Every day rise up and say hello to the Lord,” expressing his deep gratitude for God’s mercy and grace in his life. Joe had a lifelong love of cooking breakfast. In his younger years, he worked as a short-order cook, and that passion stayed with him. Most Sunday mornings, he could be found in the kitchen scrambling eggs with cheese, frying eggs with sausage and bacon, and serving them with applesauce or grits. Breakfast was his favorite meal of the day, and he especially enjoyed sausages with gravy and rice from Mama Chan’s restaurant. He also loved spending time outdoors, especially riding his lawnmower for hours while cutting grass. Joe was a true handyman—always repairing something at his properties, at church, or for family and friends. There was hardly anything he couldn’t fix: cars, appliances, furniture, or fixtures. If it was broken, Joe would find a way to bring it back to life. “Daddy,” as his children affectionately called him, had a passion for traveling. He delighted in loading the car with his family and driving to visit his parents in North Carolina. He also cherished fine automobiles, and throughout his life proudly owned an Electra 225, Lincoln Continental, Mark IV, Cadillac Seville, Lexus, and Cadillac XTS. Joe was well known for his sharp sense of style. He loved dressing in suits, often with a matching hat or cap. It wasn’t unusual to see him cutting grass or doing chores dressed to the nines. Jeans and sneakers weren’t his style—he preferred casual dress clothes or his Sunday best. He also had a fondness for great-smelling cologne, always making sure he looked and felt his best. As a father, Daddy was his children’s greatest cheerleader. He attended school meetings and encouraged each of them to pursue college, military service, or a solid career. He reminded them to trust in the Lord and never depend on anyone else for their success. Quietly generous, he opened bank accounts for many of his grandchildren and often supported family members financially behind the scenes. No matter the occasion, whether a $20 meal or a $200 dinner, Joe always insisted on paying the check. He was a gentleman through and through—generous, caring, and always ready to help. Some of Dad’s most cherished moments were spent with family during Christmas holidays, birthdays, and Sunday afternoons when everyone gathered at his home. He relished those times of laughter, love, and togetherness. He also loved reminiscing about traveling to church conventions, attending 5th Sunday Union Services, and sharing stories of the “good ole days.” To his grandchildren, “PawPaw” was love and comfort. He was the one who would rock them to sleep, laying them across his chest when they were babies, forming bonds that lasted a lifetime. Joe’s life was defined by love—for family, for hard work, for his community, and for living with style and generosity. Pastor Joe instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a profound love for God, family, and community. He was preceded in death by 3 of his sons, Ronnie (Buster), Joe Jr. (Tony), Grillen Lavelt and 2 grandsons Jonathan and Kamren. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: 4 daughters-JoAnn, Barbara Ann, Sandra Jean (Charles), and Norma Jean (David) and 2 sons-Tracey (LaShaunda), and Michael DeRon, Sr. (LaKeisha); 17 grandchildren-James (Clarissa), Kristina, Kevin (Marcille), LaTonya, Monique, Melissa (Jerome), Ronnie, Jr. (Shanikka), Joe III, Jenai, Charles, Vania (Stephen), Nicholas (Jasmine), Michael, Jr., Tracey, Jr., Tyler, Mikaylah, and Alena; 27 great-grandchildren-Courtney, Tiara, Clanesha, Jekayla, JoeQuan, Kevin Jr., Jamesha, Kalaysia, Tiresha, Jossiah, DeMario, JaRon, Jaden, Journey, Carter, Carmen, Mason, Londyn, Cornelius, Tempest, Matthew, Carson and Carlee, Joseph, Josie, and Constantine; 3 great-great grands-Jeremiah, Syiah, Belle; Godfather to Felecia Maracut and Brian Delbridge; Pops to Tammy Williams, Alison Harmon, Ruth Murray (Leonard), and Hyler Scott, one brother Elton Vinson and one brother-in-law Wilbert Carney as well as a beloved uncle, affectionately known as “Uncle JB,” to many nieces and nephews, all of whom will continue to honor his legacy of faith, love, and service. Pastor Vinson’s testimonies of God’s power and grace have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was a man of purpose, who did not squander time or resources. He maximized every moment, and his faith in God guided him. His example teaches us to trust, believe, and take care of our responsibilities, and everything will fall into place. Pastor Joe Otis Vinson, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, love for others, and steadfast service to God. His impact on the church, community, and his family will continue to resonate for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him, but his spirit will forever be remembered in the lives he touched and the example he set for all who knew him. “Love the Lord and continue in the faith,” is the legacy Pastor Joe and Mother Martha leave behind—a testament to their steadfast belief in God’s will and their dedication to His service. Rest in peace, Pastor Joe Otis Vinson, Sr. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Pastor Joe O. Vinson, Sr.

July 23, 1935 - September 16, 2025