Hosea (Joe) Gardenhi, Jr. was born on February 9, 1937, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to Hosea Gardenhi, Sr. and Estella (Mock) Gardenhi.  At an early age, he joined True Light Baptist Church.  He attended Franklin Parish Training School.  At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Germany and was honorably discharged after five years of active-duty service and two years in the Reserves.  After leaving the Army, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he met and married Jerry Murray. To this union two children, Michael (Jill) and Tonya Michelle, were born.  He worked at AMF Tubescope, retiring after 30 years of service.

Joe was a member of Greater Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, later following Reverend Gerald Edwards to Cornerstone Baptist Church.  He eventually joined Harmony Missionary Baptist Church, presided over by Reverend Jerry Evans.  There he met Levon Evans. The two were married on August 28, 1998.  At Harmony, he served as a deacon and faithful member. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, and our family's proclaimed Barbecue King.  All hobbies inherited by his son.

Preceding him in death were his parents, three siblings (Eugene, Bonnona, T. J.) and his mother-away-from-home, Mrs. Emma Garrett.
Joe departed this earthly life on Tuesday, June 18,2024, following a short illness at the Veteran's Hospital in Houston, TX.  He was surrounded by his wife, two children, and brother-in-law.

He leaves to cherish his memory:  his wife, Levon; his children, Michael (Jill) and Tonya Michelle; his sisters, Rachel and Earnestine; his grandchildren, Jasmine (Joey), Leyah (Mario), Kai and Kameron; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.