Prayer Request | Family of Joseph Steven Strawbridge, III

Joseph Steven Strawbridge, III died on April 18, 2020 at the age of 77 years. He was a loving husband, awesome father, heroic family member, and loyal friend. Joe, as he is affectionately known, was born on September 29, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri to Rodena (formerly Bell) and Joseph Strawbridge, II. Growing up in St. Louis, Joe graduated from Sumner High School in 1960 where he played football, sang in the glee club and was on the dance team. He attended Harris Teacher's College where he pledged Omega Psi Phi and then transferred to Clark College (Clark Atlanta University) where he met the love of his life, the former Dolores Young. They were married for 53 years 11 months.   

After college, Strawbridge worked for Lockheed Aircraft for 4 years before beginning his long standing career in the insurance industry. In 1980, Black Enterprise and Jet magazines featured Joseph's new appointment at Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company as the Manager of Management Training and Recruitment to enhance diversity of sales agents and sales managers. He went on to achieve many accolades within the industry and within his community for his outstanding work; including the million dollar round table. He eventually established his own company Strawbridge and Associates until his retirement in 2009. Arguably, the proudest of Clark Atlanta University (formerly Clark College) graduates, he was a previous member of the CAU board of trustees, president of the alumni association and was inducted into the booster club Sports Hall of Fame (1998). Joe was an active member and leader of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and served as Basileus of the Eta Omega Chapter (Atlanta). He also served as the Grand Marshall for the 67th Grand Conclave in Atlanta (1992). Joe was also very active in his church. He loved to sing bass (baritone) and was a longtime member of the Chancel Choir at Cascade United Methodist Church. He became the first person from the state of Georgia to serve as national chairperson for BMCR (Black Methodist Church Renewal) in 1979. 

He leaves to cherish his memories: His wife, Dolores, Joseph IV (preceded him in death 2008); daughter Tiffany Lee (Mark), six grandchildren Ashley (Aurora); Jai, Audra, David, Tyler, and Mackenzie; two great-grandchildren (Remy and Kenzie); brother Michael (Michelle) and sister Carol; and a host of other relatives and friends.   

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Delores Strawbridge
3598 Springdale Drive
Decatur, GA 30032