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Obituary For Joseph Thomas Newkirk
The funeral services for the late Mr. Joseph Thomas Newkirk, who departed this life on Thursday, March 6, 2025, will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Shingler, Georgia. Reverend Terrell Carter will deliver the Eulogy. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the Shipp's Funeral Home Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on this site's Home Page. At the request of the family, there will be NO public viewing/visitation of the remains of the late Mr. Joseph Newkirk.
Mr. Joseph Thomas Newkirk was born on August 1, 1950 in Sylvester, Georgia to the late Dr. and Mrs. John Thomas and Helen Lynn Newkirk. On Thursday, March 6, 2025, he quietly slipped away to his heavenly home to receive his crown while hospitalized at Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia.
At an early age he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church by the late Rev. Otis Pitts. Mr. Newkirk proudly served as a member of the deacon board for many years at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
Mr. Newkirk received his early education in the Worth County School System at J.W. Holley. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Valley State University. While at Fort Valley State University, he became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Mr. Newkirk was an outstanding athlete, playing both football and baseball for J.W. Holley and Fort Valley State University.
As a history teacher in the Worth County School
System, he was a connoisseur of world history, but he especially loved teaching Georgia history. Mr. Newkirk served as both a coach and teacher to hundreds of students, dedicating countless hours to promoting the importance of excellence in education and sports.
Mr. Newkirk was a player/coach for the Sylvester Community Softball team called the "Black Machine." This team involved adult athletes from the Sylvester
community, and these men would travel across South Georgia, often finishing the season undefeated. This group of men was regarded as the pro athletes of the community. The players would call Mr. Newkirk
"Castleberry," especially when he hit a home run out of the park.
Mr. Newkirk joins several of his loved ones who preceded him in death, including his father, the late Dr. John Thomas Newkirk; his mother, Helen Lynn Newkirk; and his brother, Danny Newkirk.
Mr. Newkirk leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Barbara Newkirk. To this union, they were blessed with three children: two sons, Yusvf Brantley, Sr. (Ayana) (Houston, TX) and Joseph Thomas II (Charlotte, NC), and a daughter, Jocelyn Newkirk (Sylvester, GA); his grandchildren, Jordan Newkirk, Jaxson Newkirk, Michaiah McIntosh, Yusvf Brantley, Jr., Leilani Brantley, Ashanti Brantley, and Jessica Brantley-Lee; his great-grandchildren, Elliandna, Jayden, Jada, Ian, and Nayalie.; his sister, Dr. Michelle Matthews (Atlanta, GA); his sisters-in-law, Mildred Holmes (Hephzibah, GA) and Linda Newkirk (Hampton, GA); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, his best friend, Willie Howard (Pop), who visited and consistently called to check on him throughout his illness.
Mr. Newkirkβs passion for education and sports will always be remembered in the Sylvester community. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
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Taurean Spann sent Cherished Friend Bouquet for Joseph Thomas Newkirk - March 13, 2025
Taurean Spann sent Beautiful Dreams for Joseph Thomas Newkirk - March 13, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was a great teacher. Barbara, we loved having you and Joe as neighbors and appreciate y'all being friends with our sons when they were little. Sending prayers for peace and comfort π
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends May God comfort you all Grover McCullors
My prayer and condolences to the family and with love
Sending my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family.
Our condolences to the wife and family of Joseph T. Newkirk at this difficult time in your lives; may you find these words as a source of encouragement in remembrance of how your loved one truly lived his life to the fullest. "An awareness and understanding of death raises our state of life. When we are cognizant of the reality and inevitability of death we begin to seek the eternal, and become determined to make the most valuable use of each moment of life." From your cousin JB and wife Donna Collins
My condolences to the family of my fraternity Brother Joe Newkirk! Joe, you've gone on to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus. You played the game of life as you did as our quarter-back at J.W. Holley High School. Enjoyed playing with you and knowing you! GOMAB ! CW3 Roy Jones US Army Retired
My condolences to the family of my fraternity Brother Joe Newkirk! Joe, you've gone on to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus. You played the game of life as you did as our quarter-back at J.W. Holley High School. Enjoyed playing with you and knowing you! GOMAB ! CW3 Roy Jones US Army Retired
"Annie and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Barbra, and family, during this difficult time. Those that knew him best please know, The fruits of his labor will carry him on. May He Rest In Peace."
CW3 Julious Parker (US Army Retired)
Praying for you all!!!
Condolences from the Proctor family.ππ½ππ½
Congratulations from the Proctor family. Stay Prayerful ππ½
My condolences and prayers of comfort I send to the family. Joe was a great guy,I don't know if he ever met a stranger. From meeting him in 1979 at the class reunion with Barb he has always been the same. Lean and depend on GOD to help you at this time in your life. Praying for God's Grace and Mercy.ππ.
Willie C. Howard .. I am going ro miss my BEST friend. Wow we must cherish every moment before we dont always get the chance to say GOODBYE.. Moreso ACCEPT GOODBYE. Until met me at PARADISE. HEAVEN. You are always in my mind and heart. You wil always be thought of. I MISS YOU PARTNER. Until we meet again I will continue to praise Jesus Father MY GOD. So that we do meet again BROTHER, AND MY MOTHER GLADYS HOWARD. I LOVE YOU FRIEND. LOVE WILLIE C. HOWARD (POP) AND CATHERINE THOMAS HOWARD (WIFE) AND FAMILY
We're so sorry for your loss. The Hicks family send their deepest condolences to you and your family. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers.
To Barbara and Family, I am so sorry for your loss and I pray God will comfort you all during this difficult time. Joe was a good person and a great teacher.
So Sorry To Hear About.Your Loss.We Are Family And Friends.So Sorry .The Mayo's Family.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family. May God continue to bless and strengthen you all during this time.. Kivett Milton
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
