Joesph Caldwell, 84, passed on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Harvey, IL.

Funeral service to be held at 2:00 p.m. EST (1:00 p.m. CST), Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with Reverend Bernice Cofield, Pastor and Reverend John A. Caldwell, Eulogist. Burial to follow in Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery.

Joseph Leon Caldwell was born Friday, July 4, 1941 to the late Menzie Caldwell, Sr. and Alzata Jackson Caldwell and transitioned to his heavenly home Monday, January 13, 2025 in Harvey, Illinois.

Funeral service to be held at 2:00 p.m. EST (1:00 p.m. CST), Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church with Reverend Bernice Cofield, Pastor and Reverend John A. Caldwell, Eulogist. Burial to follow in Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery.

At an early age, Joseph accepted Christ as his Lord and personal Savior, uniting with Howard Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hatchechubbee, Alabama under the leadership of Reverend Ross. He served on the usher board alongside his brothers. They were often requested to come usher at various churches because they were very disciplined and well known in the community.

Joseph attended Sandfort High School in Seale, Alabama. Upon seeing the need to help his family, “Baby Brother” as he was known to his siblings, began farming to assist in supporting them. He was devoted to his family and friends. Throughout his career, he worked in pulp wooding; Eagle and Phenix Mill for 15 years; Columbus Iron Works for 30 years; and Maloof Automotives for 30 years.

Joseph will always be remembered for his fashionable style, sense of humor, contagious laugh, caring spirit, and generous and supportive nature. He loved to share his life experiences, which was nothing short of captivating. It was his genuine passion and presence that made his stories unforgettable.

Joseph was a member of the original Caldwell Gospel Singers that was established over 52 years ago. They traveled through Alabama and Georgia giving God praises, singing songs like “Through the Valley”, “Peace in the Valley”, “Somewhere to lay my head” and “I’m going home (To Live with Jesus)”. The group was afforded the opportunity to record the songs at Tomahawk Records in Columbus, Georgia.

Later in life, Joseph moved to Chicago, Illinois and began working at Wolin-Levin Inc. and Gatling Chapel Inc. He became an entrepreneur and opened a janitorial business, Caldwell Janitorial Service. Joseph also found his love of playing the bass guitar again and became a member of the Christland Singers.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories a loving and devoted wife, Justina Cheers-Caldwell; three daughters, Linda Burks (Randall) of Columbus, Georgia, Angela Feagins-Caldwell Lockhart and Trista Caldwell Kennedy (Wendell) both of Phenix City, Alabama; two sons, Cornelius ‘Leon’ Caldwell (Andrea) of Lake Elsinore, California and Cartel Caldwell of Phenix City, Alabama; three stepchildren, Keisha Phillips (Larry), Theodore Cheers and Deon Cheers; twelve grandchildren whom he adored, Markis Johnson, Teyisha Flur, Delishia Johnson, Erica Childress, Darius Lockhart (Jillian), Jazmyn Lockhart, Leah Caldwell Trewet (Tyler), Saunyan ‘Leon’ Caldwell, Isaiah ‘Leon’ Caldwell, Brielle Caldwell, Camryn Caldwell and Chloe’ Kennedy; four great grandchildren, Kennedy Lockhart, Bronson Trewet, Samira Trewet and Sandara Trewet; a special grand daughter and caregiver, Tiara Lewis; two sisters, Flora Caldwell Smith of Phenix City, Alabama and Lola Hutton (Nathaniel) of Birmingham, Alabama; three brothers, Reverend John A. Caldwell of Birmingham, Alabama, Menzie Caldwell, Jr. (Annie Ruth) and Daniel Starks both of Seale, Alabama; a sister-in-law, Diane Caldwell of Seale, Alabama; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, M. C. Caldwell, Freddie Caldwell, Ernest Caldwell, Roosevelt Caldwell, M. L. Caldwell and Rosie Lee Caldwell Thomas; son, Michael A. Johnson; and brothers-in-law, Kevin Strong and Will Strong.