Joel Hurdle

Time to be Born Joel Isaiah Hurdle, a man of unwavering strength, courage and passion entered this world on the evening of December 20, 1978. Born to Bruce Dwight Hurdle and Sylvestine Hurdle of New London Connecticut, settled in the historic Germantown neighborhood where Joel, the youngest of the three, was reared alongside his siblings Lutrell and Nykia in a loving home. Joel thrived and flourished in the metropolis of Philadelphia evolving into the man we knew and love. To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Time to Grow Joel’s educational journey began in The School District of Philadelphia primary school graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1996 where he enjoyed and excelled in the disciplined rigor of JROTC. Joel’s affable personality and quick wit gave him an air of finesse many described as ecstatic. Few people concern themselves with others thoughts, most just want to share their own ideas but Joel was different, he wanted to know what you were thinking and how you arrived at your opinion. He enjoyed conversations on most any topic gathering information and sharing information, some might say a cipher of conversation was ever flowing from Joel. After graduation choosing to further his education, Joel pursued higher education by enrolling in the prestigious Cheyney University receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 2001 and his Master of Science in Administration of Human Services from Chestnut Hill College in 2007. His desire to serve the City of Brotherly Love sparked a lifelong committed journey of education that he used to empower and enrich the community as a Mental Health Counselor, licensed Therapist, Clinical Supervisor and Healthcare Administrator. Joel’s professional career began at Horizon House in Philadelphia as a Mental Health Counselor ascending through the profession ranks gaining more experience as he prepared for the next opportunity. As Joel advanced in roles he was constantly reminded of his commitment to service, and it was reflected in each position he accepted, ultimately finishing this race in service with the City of Philadelphia as the Public Health Program Analyst. Serving the citizens of Philadelphia for over 25 years, leaving an indelible mark on everyone that he impacted as he demonstrated exemplary service in all facets of the Human Services profession. Joel’s passion was embedded in service and the betterment of the community. He poured his heart and soul into the Engaging Males of Color (EMOC) project, a local initiative seeking to promote an enhanced awareness of the behavioral health challenges experienced by males of color across Philadelphia. EMOC’s goal is to improve the health status of males of color by increasing behavioral health literacy and access to resources and services, while reducing stigma and known disparities and building system capacity, in order to sustain wellness. Time to Love Joel’s capacity to love knew no bounds he loved his parents the late Bruce and Sylvestine Hurdle, his siblings Lutrell and Nykia, his God-family the Jamisons, and the Cutlers, and all who shared the same gene pool. Once you were loved by Joel it was forever. As time passed Joel grew in understanding. It was very clear when he met Chavonne that he who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from God. The bible says a wife is a helpmeet, a partner, a virtuous woman with the grace of God upon her. She is her husband’s crown jewel, his lover, his confidant, a mother to his children and so many more things. Committing to the word and his heart Joel asked to marry the love of his life Chavonne Boyd-James. On October 15, 2016, they committed to one another. Their loving union reared and nurtured five fantastic children Amira, Lavonne , Joel Jr., Alejah, Enrique, and granddaughter Mahasin. Time to Reap Finding gratefulness in life’s work balance is sometimes a compounding difficult task but Joel found a way to balance his professional contribution by making the family’s needs the priority. The peace that Joel found as time passed after his diagnosis gave way to a harvest of full capacity as “Host Extraordinaire”. He blossomed into “Warriorman the Motivator” allowing no excuses for not being informed and succeeding at your dreams. Joel offered compassion in his delivery mentoring and fathering many young men and women. His heart was open to help anyone who needed a safe place to rest. He kept the hype going by going all out for every family gathering, holiday, shopping excursion or travel destination. This is just who Joel is true and righteous in every endeavor. Known by many, so whether you know him as Joel, Pops, Pop-Pop or Hurdle you could always find Joel coordinating the outfits, because he was the consummate Dapper Dan in the family trademarking his own clothing line named. “Poverty Brings Hurdles” He led the culinary selections because he was always ready to eat, and of course the family mode of transportation, making sure we were all safe as we traveled back and forth. He did this all in an ALL-ABOARD manner. Whether it was searching for automobiles or houses to scooters and a dream boats. If it caught Joel’s eye you better believe he made it happen. He provided, protected and loved us in a manner that will never be forgotten nor replaced. Time to Transition Leukemia is an exhausting immune disease that robs you of your energy and replaces it with fatigue. In this case, like so many others who fight this horrendous disease, no amount of rest can restore your strength to fight. Joel fought the good fight, he stayed the course, and he finished the race. In the early hours of May 11, 2024, God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and gently whispered, “Come with me”. With tearful eyes we love you dearly and know you could not stay. Your gracious heart stopped beating…. hardworking hands are at rest…. for God only takes the best. You knew you had to leave us, but you didn’t go alone; for part of us went with you the day God called you home. For some you’ll be forgotten, to others just a part of the past, but to those who love and lost you, your memory will always last. Joel Isaiah was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Sylvestine Hurdle. With eternal love Joel Isaiah Hurdle Sr. is survived by his loving and devoted wife Chavonne Hurdle, children Amira Hurdle, Philadelphia, Pa., Lavonne James, Dover DE, Joel Isaiah Hurdle Jr., Pittsburgh Pa., Alejah James, (Chekenya- Baumholder, Germany), Enrique James, of the home and granddaughter Mahasin Hurdle, Philadelphia, Pa. His brother Lutrell Solomon (Tonia) Orlando, Fl. and sister Nykia Goldman (Ronald) Charlotte, NC God parents-Lenard & Debbie Jamison New Castle DE, Kevin Cutler Sr. Lansdowne, PA, God sister- Brittney Cutler, Pottstown, Pa, God brother- Kevin Cutler Jr., Plymouth Meeting, PA) Uncles Herbie Bagwell, Milford, CT, Ronald Benjamin (Greenboro, NC.) Aunts - Geraldine Solomon, Theresa Solomon, Great-Aunt Barbara Jean Olive, all of Grouton, CT. Father-in-Love Wendell Boyd Sr. of the home. A host of Brothers and Sisters in Love, nieces and nephews, cousins, and family friends.

Joel Hurdle

December 20, 1978 - May 11, 2024