Father Joseph Green 🌹 Hundreds Honor the Life of a Legend in Norfolk

NORFOLK, VA — The funeral of the Hon. Rev. Dr. Canon Joseph🌹Green, Jr. (1926-2023) was held at Christ and Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk today (Jan. 21). Father Joe died on January 13, 2023 at age 96 with his family by his side. Green served as a Canon Theologian at Christ & St. Lukes since 2020.

A poster of photos from Father Green’s life was displayed at a reception after the funeral.

A biography in tribute of Father Green’s amazing life on the church’s website outlined how he left an indelible mark on Norfolk across many generations and several decades. He earned his theology degree from the University of the South in 1965, one of the first two African Americans to graduate from The School of Theology at Sewanee during Jim Crow. Today, Father Green’s portrait is seen in the lobby of the Administration Building at The School of Theology.

Green served as Rector of Grace Episcopal Church on E. Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk from 1963 to 1993. He led one of the most dynamic congregations in the diocese for 30 years. After serving on the Norfolk School Board, he was the first African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the Norfolk City Council. He served on the Council for twenty years, ten as Norfolk’s Vice Mayor.

🌹Below is a musical selection from Father Green’s funeral performed by the Singers from Christ and St. Luke’s Church Choir and Grace Church Choir:

His efforts to promote affordable housing and education have changed the city forever. He was a strong proponent of mass transit, championed the inclusion of a public housing tenant on the Housing Commission and was instrumental in the establishment of the downtown campus of Tidewater Community College. Father Green was still speaking truth to power days before his death.

Congressman Scott is seen at a reception after the funeral at the Martin Mansion on Fairfax Avenue in Norfolk.

“Christ & St. Luke’s was profoundly honored to have Fr. Green and Mrs. Evelyn Green as part of our community. As Canon Theologian and a member of our clergy staff, Fr. Green taught and guided us to be a more welcoming and inclusive church,” a biography on the church’s website read.

Delegate Don Scott and others leave the church after Father Green’s funeral.

Judge and fmr. member of the Virginia House of Delegates Judge Jerrauld Jones and Charles Middleton delivered the eulogies.

There was a large number of prominent leaders at Father Green’s funeral. They included Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, Congressman Bobby Scott, House Minority Leader Don Scott, Del. Angelia Williams Graves, fmr. Chesapeake School Board member Dr. Pat King, M.D., fmr. Petersburg Police Chief Kenneth Miller, Cynthia Downs and economist Bill Spriggs.

A page from the funeral program.

In lieu of flowers, suggested donations can be sent to the Union of Black Episcopalians, 3737 Seminary Road PMB #121, Alexandria VA. 22304.

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