Joe Frank Cofield

Joe Frank Cofield was born September 11, 1933, and was the fourth of 13 children born to the union of the late James “Elmer” Cofield and Louise Magby-Cofield.  He was raised in Roanoke, Alabama and attended The Randolph County Training School where he was a star football player.  He graduated in 1953, after which time he joined the United States Army and served active duty in the Korean War, and later as a chef in Germany.  After honorable discharge, he migrated to Cleveland, Ohio where he courted and married Fannie “Faye” Pointer. To their 53-year union was born Barry Cofield Sr. and Cheryl Cofield.

Joe served as a millwright and safety committee man for Republic Steel/LTV Steel, as well as a Union Stewart, Grievance Committee man, and certified union counselor for the United Steel Workers of America, Local 1157.  After 40+ years of service, he retired in 1995 focusing his energy on being a labor-unionist, voter’s rights advocate, civil rights activist and agitator.

Joe served as president of the Cleveland chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (“APRI”) for over a decade, and as President Emeritus of APRI-Cleveland until his death.  He also served for many years as treasurer of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), Local 979, and as Vice President of the AFL-CIO’s Senior Voice Retiree Council.  In addition, he was a two time recipient of APRI’s James Edwards Turner Annual Award, and was most recently honored by the United Labor Agency as an Unsung Hero of the Labor Movement.

He was an avid sports fan, little league baseball coach, and road warrior who enjoyed lively cross-country trips with family and friends. Most notably, he was a solid provider, who doted over and adored his family.

In August 2019, Joe suffered a major stroke.  During his recovery, he remained as stubborn as a mule and strong as a lion. He maintained his feisty sense of humor, flirted with pretty nurses, refused to follow the rules, and fought with a brave, “can-do” spirit until the end.

“… though his head was bloodied, it was unbowed … and he never winced or cried aloud …”

Affectionately known as “dad,” “grandad,” “Uncle Joe,” “Mr. Cofield,” and “Chief,” Joe is preceded in death by his parents James “Elmer” and Louise Cofield; wife Faye Cofield, brothers James Cofield, Willie Cofield, Sidney Cofield, and Billy Cofield; and sisters Annie Laura Oree, Thelma Thornton, Martha Fields, and Evon Cofield.

Joe leaves to cherish his brave memory two children, Barry Cofield Sr. of Cleveland, OH and Cheryl Cofield of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, Barry “BJ” (Kendra) Cofield, Jr. of Longwood, FL, Nicole Cofield of Lyndhurst, OH, Samantha (Otimbum) Wilson of Cleveland Heights, OH; and Zoe Fort of Boston, MA; and four siblings, John (Bernice) Cofield of Virginia Beach, VA, Lela Graham and Jesse (Beverly) Cofield Sr. both of Dayton, OH, and Merdice “Jean” (Walter) Shepherd of Centerville, OH. He also leaves fond memories to his best friends Clarence “Lightning” Everett, Charles Hickerson, Robert Hart and companion, Virginia Robinson; as well as a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and associates.  He was a strong soldier and real man, and will always be remembered.

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