Obituary

Milton Joseph was born on September 21, 1939, in Campti, Louisiana, by way of Fred D. Joseph and Eula Lee Pickett. He was raised by Grandmother Estella Kemp Joseph who was married to Levi Joseph. He received his education at Campti Jr High School, Willie H. Bates High School and Long Beach City College.

On March 14,1959, he married the woman of his dreams in Margie Louise Booker Joseph. The two met and fell in love at Memorial Hospital in Shreveport Louisiana, where they both worked.   Milton immediately accepted the responsibility of raising Margie's 3-year-old daughter, Lawanda, as his own.

On  November 18, 1962, Milton and Margie celebrated the birth of their second child Troy Patrick Joseph. On November 14, 1972 Milton was shocked by the birth of not one, but two boys Cleon and Deon Joseph. Between raising his own children Milton and Margie Joseph took in their grandchildren Michael, Damien and Mychayla Harris. The union also  raised a total of 41 foster children, within their marriage.

Along with raising family, Milton was one of the hardest working men, around. He served our country in the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas from 1961 to 1963.  Over his lifetime he worked as a dishwasher, a barber and at an aluminum plant.  In 1963, he moved to Long Beach for a better life for his family.  He worked for the United States Postal Service for 20-years. While working he became an entrepreneur, starting his first business at Rose Market on the east side of Long Beach.  He pushed the envelope even more by starting a laundromat with no experience. He made sure his family stayed involved with his businesses.

He eventually became a general contractor and built over 40 homes and commercial properties within the City of Long Beach and Los Angeles County. His understanding of contracting led him to real estate and property investment.  Early in the 1990's, he and his family became restaurant owners in the City of Long Beach. Margie's Kitchen was featured as restaurant of the week in Long Beach Press Telegram and other newspapers.  The restaurant  was also featured in Details Magazine. Milton and Margie then opened Mr. Q's in Bixby Knolls.  In 2006, Milton returned to what he knew best, contracting.  His final project was in California City, but the project came to a halt after the loss of his wife Margie of 47-years.

Milton finished his life dedicated to family, living under the shared care of his sons Cleon and Deon Joseph and his daughter-in-law Tonnette Joseph until his passing.

Milton was everyone's dad and friend in the community.  He mentored hundreds of youth in his community, with many calling him their second dad through coaching and sincere mentorship.  He and his wife took in people who struggled with drug addiction and helped them get their lives back.  He gave ex-felons second chances in life by giving them employment.  He gave young entrepreneurs a means of starting their own businesses.  He inspired his surviving sons to continue his legacy.  He was also a Deacon at New Liberty Baptist Church and Antioch Church of Long Beach, under the Pastoral leadership of Reverend Ambrose Warren and later, Pastor Joseph Chaney and Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr.

On Saturday, December 19, 2015, Milton Joseph transitioned to the Lord peacefully.  He is survived by his children Lawanda Bradley, Cleon and wife Eva Nicole Joseph, Deon and wife Santosha Joseph and Tonnette Yvonne Joseph, wife of Troy Patrick Joseph (deceased).  Grandchildren Michael Harris, Damien Harris, Don Lonon Jr., (son of Tonnette Joseph), Michayla Harris, Deshawna Williams, Troya Patrice Joseph, Xavier Patrick Joseph, Deon Milton Joseph Jr., Cheyanne Grace Joseph, Zaire Gabrielle Joseph and Jordan I. Joseph. Great Grandchildren are Colon Patryk Harris, Deyveon Devoe Harris, Ciara Gayle Harris, Alena Harris, Heaven Lawanda Moore and Darnell Stephen Winston Jr.  His surviving siblings are, Edward Levi Joseph, Fred Joseph, Mary Ann McCoy, Roosevelt Joseph and Anthony Joseph.