Joseph "Injun Joe" Pearce

Mr. Pearce, affectionately known as “Injun Joe” by his closest friends, gained his heavenly wings March 22, 2024, at his home in North Lima, Ohio.  Joseph was born on March 9, 1950 in Spring Hill, North Carolina to Leonard H. Pearce Sr. and Lillian Teasley.  Joseph and his family moved to Youngstown, Ohio when he was 8 years old where he attended Youngstown Public Schools.

Joseph was a Vietnam Army Veteran.  He loved basketball and was a faithful Cleveland Browns fan. Joseph was known as a jokester with a huge infectious smile and a hearty laugh.  While walking the neighborhood of The Lincoln Knolls, Joseph was given the nickname “Candy Man,” because he would greet the children and give them candy.  Joseph will be greatly missed by his family, especially at every holiday. Joseph would call everyone on  holidays with best wishes regardless of the significance of that day.  We always got a big kick out of those calls.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and stepmothers, Minnie Mae Howell and Zadie Pearce; his brothers, Leonard Jr. and Elijah Pearce, Napolean and Billy Earl Howell.

He leaves to cherish his beloved memory, five brothers, William (Leola) of New Jersey,  Earnest (Katherine) of Dallas, Georgia, Harold of Youngstown,  Bishop Clossie (Laura) of Crowley, Texas, William of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and stepbrother, Charles Townsend of Youngstown; one sister, Glenda Pearce Forrester of Youngstown; and stepsisters, Bernice Howell of Queens, New York and Katie Berger of Youngstown.  Joseph also leaves a special cousin, Johnny Branch, and a special sister-in-love, Belinda Pearce; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, April 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at L. E. Black Phillips & Holden Funeral Home, 1951 McGuffey Rd., Youngstown, Ohio.  Celebration of life services will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Guest are asked to wear masks.

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