Joseph William Toomer

In Loving Memory of Joseph William Toomer, Jr.

July 16, 1942 – October 23, 2026

Joseph William Toomer, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Oxford Health and Rehabilitation Center in Oxford, North Carolina.

Born on July 16, 1942, in Durham, North Carolina, Joe was the cherished son of the late Joseph W. Toomer, Sr.and Bernice Tucker Lowe. He was a proud 1960 graduate of Hillside High School in Durham.

Joe possessed a strong work ethic and a warm, compassionate nature that guided his diverse career. Early in his career, he served families in his community while working in the mortuary at Scarborough Funeral Home. He later worked with North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company before finding his long-term professional calling as an X-Ray Technician at UNC Memorial Hospital. Following 30 dedicated years of service, Joe retired from UNC Hospital, but his passion for work continued. He went on to work part-time as an X-ray consultant and eventually established his own successful custodial business serving clients in the Research Triangle Park area.

Faith and music were central to Joe's life. A devoted member of Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church, he faithfully sang in the Male Chorus, lifting his voice and spirit alongside his church family.

Gregarious, outgoing, and endlessly charming, Joe truly never met a stranger. He loved to travel and felt most at home on the road, frequently journeying across the country to visit his family and beloved siblings throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Detroit, Michigan. Above all else, Joe loved his family deeply and created lasting memories wherever he went.

Joe was preceded in death by his cherished son, Greg Toomer, and three siblings who have passed away: Margie Stewart (Alvin), Brenda Toomer, and Nathaniel A. Harris.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shana (Brown) Toomer; his children, Jeff Toomer of Alexandria, VA, and Terri Harley (Lee) of Durham; step children Nicole Daniels and Kalissa Brown of Durham, and Tanjay Brown of Chapel Hill; 15 grandchildren; father-in-law William Brown, Sr.; Godmother (Shana), Willie May Davis of Chapel Hill; and his siblings, Bernell Fulton (Clayton, NC), along with Natalie Harris, Joan Harris, Christine Harris Steele (Vincent), Deon Harris, and John Harris, all from New Haven, CT. Joe also leaves a wide circle of extended family in Michigan, church members, classmates, and close friends who will miss his cheerful spirit and welcoming presence.

Friday October 30, 2026 Memorial Service Lincoln Memorial Baptist Church 11:00 am, followed by a repast immediately afterward.