Joseph Nathaniel Small II went home to be with the Lord on February 3, 2024. Joe was born the eldest of six children on June 6, 1949, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the union of Joseph and Vanestine Small.
Joe savored his role as the eldest child. He was always willing and able to provide guidance, love, and support to his brothers and sisters. These traits would stay with him throughout his lifetime. Many friends and family members can attest to Joe stepping in and being a loving shoulder to lean on in their time of need.
During his youth, Joe was an active member of the Historic Mt. Zion AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida. He was an usher, sang in the choir, loved participating in church plays, and often volunteered to speak in Sunday school. As a young boy, he loved playing basketball and football, which led to him becoming the star high school quarterback and earning a scholarship to Shaw University in North Carolina. He then transferred to Texas Southern University in Houston, where he met and married the love of his life, Phoebe Harris. He instantly became a loving son to her parents, James and Maxine Harris, and a loving brother to Jeri Harris and Debra Harris-Branham (Phil). Soon after marrying, they settled in Seattle and welcomed two children: Joseph Nathaniel III and Erin Small.
As a young family man, Joe began his professional career as a Crisis Counselor at the University of Washington, Department of Clinical Psychology. After four years of working with those in need, Joe switched paths and began a career at CUNA Mutual Group. He worked there for 30 years before retiring as an Account Vice President. His passion for working and being involved in the community continued as he became Chief Operating Officer and Managing Member of Ebony Office Interiors. Joe was also an Advisory Member of the Tabor 100, an association of entrepreneurs and business advocates.
Joe was an avid golfer and member of the Hy Tee Golf Club. He passed on his love of golf to his son, Nate, and enjoyed the many times he got together with him and friends for a day of golf and a good cigar. Even though Joe was a strong Raiders Football fan, he greatly enjoyed going to the local Seahawks games with his daughter, Erin.
When his son started playing youth football, Joe jumped at the chance to become his coach, thus beginning his side job of coaching for the Rainier District Athletic Association. For 12 years, he was a coach and mentor to many youths; many of whom still have strong memories of Coach Small. Thus, proving just how much of a father figure he was, not only to his own children, but also to the youth of the community. Later, once he became a grandfather, he took great pride in watching his grandchildren play sports and cheered them on through all their endeavors.
Joe’s strong childhood roots in family and love for the church reunited him with Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, where he once again participated in plays, Sunday school, and bible study until he was unable to attend due to his health.
Joe had many pastimes and excelled at all of them. He was an artist, photographer, played the guitar, crocheted hats, and acted professionally in Black Arts West, Seattle’s first Black theater. He was a man of many gifts and talents. Joe loved his family deeply and brought love and a smile to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Phoebe of 54 years; son, Joseph Nathaniel Small III (Melissa); daughter, Erin Small; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Shelby), Kai, Joseph IV, and Jayden; great-grandchildren, Sariyah and Nathaniel Jr.; siblings, Olivia Young (Ralph), Sydney Small (Linda), Denise Wilson (Henry), Michael Small (Melonie), and Michelle Ellis (James); sisters-in-law, Jeri Harris and Debra Harris-Branham (Phil); plus a host of nephews, nieces, and many other loving relatives and longtime friends.