“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

John Joseph Baxter, "Joe", seventy-seven years of age, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 08, 2020.

John was born to Frank Baxter and Mary Effie Stanley Baxter on April 01, 1943 in Columbus County, North Carolina. He was the 6th of 7 children, 3 of whom preceded him in death. 

He was educated in public schools in Columbus County, NC and a graduate of Nakina High School.

As a young adult, he moved to Philadelphia, PA where he created his family, furthered his education and became an entrepreneur.

In 1964 John married Annie R Carr and started a family. From this blessed union was born a son and daughter, John Jr and Cheryl. 

Aiming to increase his skillset, John attended Community College where he studied Computer Operations. John had several jobs in the food industry and ultimately opened Baxter's Variety Store and Baxter's Newsstand in North Philadelphia. These businesses gave John a great sense of pride and made him a community staple.

John was also well known for his love of grilling good old-fashioned Bar-B-Que and was also an avid cook.  He had a great passion for creating and experimenting with recipes and entertaining guests with his culinary creations. As a result of his passion for culinary delights, John later studied at and graduated from the J&A Institute of Culinary Arts to perfect his craft. 

A devoted and proud member of the Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA John served on the Usher Board until his illness prevented him from continuing to serve. 

John loved animals and always cared for his cats and two dogs who preceded him in death.

John is survived by 2 children: Cheryl Lynn Baxter and John Joseph Baxter Jr; one brother: Clifton Baxter of Philadelphia, PA; 2 sisters: Sadie Baxter of New York, NY and Esther Baxter of Bronx, NY; 4 brothers in law: Henry Carr of Bear, DE, Silas Carr and Eugene Carr of Philadelphia, PA, and David Terrell of Quantico, VA;  3 sisters-in-law: Pearl Baxter and Carol Baxter of Philadelphia, PA and Lillie Carr of Middletown, DE; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. 

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”  John 14:1-4