Joel Erskine White

Joel Erskine White was born on July 19th, 1950, in Saint Augustine, Florida, to Norman “Bob” White and Martha Albertine (Johnson) White Armstrong.  They both preceded him in death. In addition, he was preceded in eternal rest by his Stepfather, George Edward Armstrong, his brother, Johnel “Skip” White, sister, Juliet R. Thompson and brother-in-law, Kenneth Williams.

Joel received his formative years of education in the St. Johns County School District and graduated from Saint Augustine High School. He was one of the first African American Students who integrated his high school, as a senior, in 1968. He was a member of his High School Track Team, “Jacket Speedster”, breaking many records in the All-State Class A Meets and placed as a first and second place Sprinter. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Social Welfare from Saint Augustine’s (College) University in May 1972. He was a member of the Falcon Track Team and helped the school to win and set new record highs each year. He became a member of the Gamma Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc in December 1969.

Joel met and later married his college sweetheart Joyce (Barnes) White in December 1973. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage. He loved road trips visiting families in Florida and North Carolina and was always known to have the flyest cars on the road. From Mustangs to Lincolns, you knew it was “Joe Cool”. Joel took his final road trip on May 4th when he returned to the campus of St. Augustine’s University to commemorate his wife’s 50th class reunion, where their love story began.

Joel worked for the Wiltwyck School for Boys in Harlem after graduating college in 1972 and later found his calling when he joined the Nassau County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Department. He became the Director and worked there for over 44 years providing funding for the High School Programs.  He retired September 2017.

Joel accepted Christ at an early age when he joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church and served as an Usher. He loved the Lord and showed kindness to all who knew him. He often quoted, “church is in the heart which is what God seeks”.  He would give you the shirt off his back and everyone loved him for that.

Joel was the strong Patriarch of his family, teaching them to be honest, show respect for others, work hard and pray. His greatest joy was his daughter and son, his two grandchildren, goddaughter, and his extended family.  They never wanted for anything.

His favorite past time was watching Football Games and praying for his team, the Minnesota Vikings, to win a Superbowl after FOUR ATTEMPTS!

Joel entered his eternal rest on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, at the Spring Creek Rehabilitation & Nursing Care Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Joel leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved and devoted wife, Joyce Ann (Barnes) White; children, Jesonne White, Washington, DC and Julian (Nomin) White, Philadelphia, PA; grandchildren, Janea Johnson and Noah White; Goddaughter, Sheena Washington, Weehawken, N.J.; brother, Gregory (Lydia) White, Saint Augustine, FL.; sister, Sharon Williams, Saint Augustine, FL; sister-in law, Mary White, Palm Coast, FL.; brother-in-law, Minister Charles Thompson, Saint Augustine, FL. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He will forever be remembered for his infectious laugh and gift of “Gab”! He had a heart of gold and will truly be missed by all those who lives he touched! Rest In Power My Love!

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