Joseph Louis Alston

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Alston will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED!!!

Family and friends that wish to send flowers can have them delivered to Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor located at:

3137 Fayetteville Street

Durham, NC 27707

For those who would prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations that Joe was closely connected with.

The Williams Family Circle (WFC) Scholarship Fund: Make checks payable to Williams Family Circle with Joe Alston Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Mail to WFC Treasurer - Yvonne Lassiter,31 Northern Way Ct, Durham, NC 27712. If you prefer to pay online using a credit card or Google Pay, use this link https://wfc-joseph-louis-alston-scholarship-fund.cheddarup.com to complete your donation. Please note that the WFC Scholarship Fund is NOT a 501c3, so the donations are NOT tax deductible. 

White Rock Baptist Church Scholarship Fund: Make checks payable to White Rock Baptist Church with Joe Alston Scholarship Fund in the memo line. Mail to 3400 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707. If you prefer to pay online using a credit card, use this link https://www.givelify.com/donate/MTExMzU=/donation/amount to complete your donation.   Please indicate that your donation is for the Joseph Alston Scholarship Fund. Donations to the White Rock Scholarship Fund are fully tax deductible.  

OBITUARY

“For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

A TIME TO BE BORN:

“For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

A TIME TO BE BORN:

Joseph Louis Alston, fondly known as Joe, was born on December 20, 1936 in Chatham County, North Carolina as the youngest son of William Roland and Stella Atwater Alston. Joe attended grade school in Durham, North Carolina where he nurtured his intellect and discovered his love for sports, particularly basketball and tennis. He graduated from Hillside High School in 1954, leaving behind a legacy of tenacity and excellence in both his academic and sports endeavors. He went on to attend college at North Carolina College at Durham (known today as NCCU), where he was a member of the tennis and basketball teams, graduating in 1958 with a BS in Health and Physical Education, laying the foundation for his future journey.

A TIME TO BUILD UP:

Upon receiving his college degree, Joe chose to dedicate the next chapter of his life to service, spending two memorable years with the US Army stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Following his honorable tenure in the Army, he embarked on a fulfilling career teaching physical education and coaching basketball and tennis across various schools in Virginia.  To continue building upon his career, Joe returned to his alma mater NCCU to obtain his master’s degree in physical education, which he completed in 1962, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the field. Joe began his post-master’s career as the physical education teacher and coach of tennis and basketball at Johnson C. Smith University. As Smith’s head basketball coach, he compiled a record of 86 wins and 41 losses, the best of any coach at that institution at that time. His remarkable coaching abilities were recognized with prestigious accolades, including the NAIA District 26 Basketball Coach of the Year in 1969, and the CIAA Basketball Coach of the Year in 1972. Under his able leadership, the 1974 Golden Bulls clinched the title of CIAA Southern Division champions and secured runner-up at the CIAA Tournament. Furthermore, in 1968, Joe led Smith's tennis team to a triumphant CIAA championship victory. Joe soon became affectionally known as "Broadway Joe" due to combination of his exceptional coaching abilities and impeccable style.

Later, he returned to his roots at NCCU to assume the role of Athletic Director, further solidifying his passion for athletics, leadership and his beloved alma mater. In honor of his illustrious career, Joe was inducted into the NCCU Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, a testament to his undying passion and exemplary contributions to the school.

A TIME TO PLANT AND A TIME TO HARVEST:

Joe established bold milestones in his career, venturing away from sports and becoming one of first top-ranked African American employees in management at Sears Roebuck & Company, shattering glass ceilings and setting a new precedent for diversity in leadership roles. He completed his pre-retirement career at Duke University, holding executive positions in the Procurement and Community Affairs Departments. In 2004, a community center in the West End neighborhood of Durham was named after him, becoming the Juanita McNeil-Joseph Alston Community Center.

After his retirement, Joe went full speed ahead and channeled his energy into cultivating a flourishing travel venture, USA Luxury Tours, which chartered trips for major organizations in and around North Carolina and sponsored pre-arranged tours for 29 years. Over the years, Joe served over 2500 customers, traveling to 47 states in the United States, missing only North Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii. He also made many trips to several cities in Canada, including Montreal, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Quebec, and Vancouver. Joe would often lead convoys of 3-4 full-sized motorcoaches on these adventures and each one was impeccably planned down to the finest detail. Joe often said that he was not in the travel business to make money; he just wanted to give people a chance to travel, many of whom had never traveled before. Joe’s people loved him and the unique travel opportunities he provided year after year! He was known for his generosity, often gifting memorable and personalized experiences to his clients. He wanted people to be able to see the country without financial constraints. Through the USA Luxury Tours Scholarship Fund, Joe provided scholarships for high school seniors headed to college.

Joe's life philosophy was anchored in integrity, diligence, and the belief that anything can be achieved with the right mindset. His commitment to excellence, his meticulous attention to detail, and his "we-can-do-anything" work ethic will continue to inspire many in the years to come.

A TIME TO LOVE AND A TIME TO LAUGH:

While Joe's professional achievements garnered him widespread recognition, his personal life shone equally brightly, testifying to his fulfilling journey beyond the professional realm. To everyone who knew him, it was evident that Joe held his family at the center of his universe. A cherished son, a devoted husband and best friend to his wife Rose Alston, an adoring father and grandfather, and a steadfast friend, he exemplified love and loyalty in its truest form.

In Martinsville, Virginia, he found the love of his life, Rose Marie Millner. Their bond, cemented in matrimony at Mayo Baptist Church on August 20, 1966, stood the test of time, with their love story spanning over 56 beautiful years. Together, they nurtured three wonderful daughters, each of whom held a special place in Joe's heart. He found immense joy in imparting life skills to his daughters, from teaching them to drive and tell time, to mastering their multiplication tables. After 3 daughters and 4 grand-daughters, he was thrilled to finally get a boy, who Janelle and her husband Todd named Alston!

Putting God and family first, Joe cared for his father and mother until they passed away, tending patiently to their every need. He made sure that his mother traveled with him as frequently as possible during her life and kept her company every day for over 5 years. He willingly gave up weekends and personal time to support Rose in going to Virginia to help her family when they were dealing with illness and death.

Despite the whirlwind of his professional and personal commitments, Joe never missed an opportunity to indulge in the little joys of life. From crafting the perfect sweet tea, to nurturing his five grandchildren with affection, or maintaining his fitness with daily walks at the mall alongside his enduring friend, Ike Robinson – he embraced every moment.

Joe's life was indeed a rich tapestry of cherished moments and remarkable achievements. He lived a life full blessed in countless ways, and imbued with adventures that enriched his journey and those around him.

A TIME TO SCATTER STONES AND A TIME TO GATHER STONES:

Joe joined White Rock Baptist Church and was baptized when he was only 5 years old. He participated in all of the youth activities, including White Rock sports teams. He served as a senior usher, started the first Men’s Day, and solicited donations from the membership to purchase White Rock’s Hammond organ as well as the Christ medallion over the baptistry.

Joe was a charter member of the Fortune Investment Group, established with the goal of empowering budding entrepreneurs, reflecting Joe's steadfast dedication to fostering growth and success among his peers. In 1983, his drive to make a positive societal impact led him to join a group of progressive Black men in founding a new philanthropic organization in Durham - the James E. Shepard Sertoma Club. This club was rooted in a commitment to community service and volunteer work, values that resonated deeply with Joe's personal beliefs. His unwavering dedication was recognized in 1984-85 when he was bestowed with the 'Sertoman of the Year' award - the highest honor a Sertoma Club member can achieve.

Following this, he served as President from 1985-1986, further cementing his legacy of service.

A TIME TO REMEMBER:

Rose and the girls provided Joe with tender, loving care throughout an extended illness at the end of his life. On June 3, 2023, Joe serenely transitioned to his eternal rest at the Duke Hospice - Hock Family Pavilion in Durham with loving family members by his side.

His remarkable devotion to his family and friends will remain a testament to his character. While his absence will be deeply felt, the memories of his indomitable spirit will linger in our hearts, reminding us of his unwavering love and commitment.

Joe's legacy lives on in those who loved and respected him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rose Marie Alston; daughters Kimberly Alston of Durham, Tiffany Eubanks and her husband Albert Eubanks of Durham, and Janelle Alston Collins and her husband Todd Collins of Charlotte. His memory will also be treasured by his beloved grandchildren Kyra Alston, Logan Burwell, Alaijah Ward, Sydney Collins, Ella Collins, and Alston Collins, along with a multitude of family and close friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Louis Alston, please visit our floral store.