Joseph Purcell Farmer, Sr.

Joseph Purcell Farmer was born on November 1, 1936 in Wilson County, North Carolina to the late Harvey Farmer and Paulina Woodard Farmer.  Joe P, as he was often referred, departed this life on November 30, 2019. His wife of 57 years, Elna G. Farmer preceded him in death in March 2019. He was the youngest of eight children and was commonly referred to as Baby by his mother. Seven siblings preceded him in death: brothers- Charlie, Desce, Grant, James, Luther, Clinton and sister- Mattoria Daniels.

Joe P grew up farming like his father and was educated in the Wilson County public school system.  He moved to Durham, North Carolina where he met Elna Grant. They were married on October 21, 1961 at Gateway to Heaven Church in Durham, North Carolina. To this union, four sons were born.  He soon began working for the State of North Carolina, retiring 30 years later on February 24, 1992, from the UNC Hospital System.  He transitioned from being a State employee after retirement to working with Fresenius Medical Care as a Hemodialysis Technician for several more years.

He became one of the original members of Peace Missionary Baptist Church in the year 1974 and served faithfully as a Trustee, Deacon and Gleaner.

He devoted his free time to playing softball and serving as a loyal troop leader with the Boy Scouts of America, where he was instrumental in helping develop boys into young men.  He was known by many as an avid cook and spent countless holidays preparing meals for family and friends.  Joe P served faithfully on the family reunion planning committee and made multiple trips to Wilson, NC during the year to make sure that he and his family remained connected to extended family. His favorite tradition was decorating the trees in his yard with holiday lights during the Christmas season.

He leaves to cherish his memory four sons- Joseph P. Farmer II (Lakesia), Matthew K. Farmer, Jon C. Farmer and Carl L. Farmer; five grandchildren- Warren C. Mack, Christian E. Farmer-Hodge, Bria A. Farmer, Brennan A. Farmer and Kevyn J. Farmer; four great-grandchildren - Genesis D. Hodge, Elijah J. Hodge, Zion E. Hodge and Noah C. Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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