Deacon Josiah C. Isler, born on July 12, 1933, to the late Malisa J. Boomer and Gilford Isler, was the youngest of their children. At the age of 91, Deacon Isler gained his eternal rest on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to making a positive impact on all those around him. A man of unwavering kindness and generosity, Deacon Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend always willing to lend a helping hand and bring joy to others.
In his early years, Joe met and married the late Barbara Taylor, with whom he had five children: Jo-Ann, Keith, Mark, Ricky, and Tonia Isler. Later in life, he met and married Brenda Smith, and from that union came Diyon, Marika, Andre, and Josiah Isler.
Deacon Isler worked for many years with the Somerset County Board of Education. Upon retiring from the school system, he continued to touch lives while working at Food Lion. Known affectionately as “Mr. Joe,” he brightened the days of many with his warm smile and infectious spirit.
In his free time, Joe found joy in simple pleasures. Making fresh pots of coffee, playing solitaire, watching golf, and tending to his beloved plants. He had a remarkable ability to restore life to any plant, and his love of cooking was a cherished hobby. Joe could always be counted on to whip up the best breakfast foods and share his culinary skills with those he loved. He also had a deep passion for the Baltimore Ravens, proudly sporting their colors whenever he could.
Deacon Isler’s love for God was evident in all aspects of his life. He served faithfully at Faith Christian Church in a variety of roles, including as an usher, and took his spiritual responsibilities seriously. His commitment to serving others extended beyond the church, as he regularly organized food donations from Food Lion for the local Joseph House and his home church. In his later years, Joe became a member of New Beginnings Covenant Ministries, where he was ordained as Deacon Joe under Bishop Daryll Butts. There, he continued to praise and worship God, often seen joyfully jumping and singing in His presence.
Deacon Joe’s life was a testimony to God’s grace, and he was a light in his community, known for his kindness, generosity, and love for others.
Deacon Isler was preceded in death by his parents, Malisa J. Boomer and Gilford Isler, his sons Keith and Mark Isler, and several siblings who are fondly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Smith Isler; daughters, Jo-Ann (Trenton, NJ), Tonia (Trenton, NJ), and Marika Isler (Salisbury, MD); sons, Ricky (Trenton, NJ), Diyon (Princess Anne, MD), Andre (Salisbury, MD), and Josiah, Jr. (Greensboro, NC); and his beloved sister, Cordelia Hopkins (Millsboro, DE); his sisters-in-law, Apostle Barbara Rose (Salisbury, MD) and Judi Marks (Reggie) (Perryville, MD); brother-in-law, Tony Anderson (Baltimore,MD); as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Deacon Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His kindness, laughter, and warmth will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Sunday, March 2, 2025, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, Millsboro, Delaware, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro 19966.
17 Responses
I so sorry my friend I’m praying for you and the family 💗 I love you all!
Remember this man since I was 15 years old I’m now 42. He always called me his monkey. I was always around for many years growing up he was always so kind to me and so sweet and funny. Will never forget him and that’s a fact. He has two grandsons by me they will always know how good of a man he was.
I will always remember Cousin Joe encouraging me..and reminding me of who I was and who I was always supposed to be in this world. I thank God for this man impacting my life and being a guiding light. God’s peace and blessings to his family.
Jasper
Mr Joe will be missed by all who knew him; He was an extraordinary man.
So sorry for your loss! My heart, prayers and sincere condolences to you and the Family
Thank you Family I’m Josiah oldest daughter JoAnne, from Trenton NJ
Ms.Brenda and family we are so sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Mr. Joe’. With deepest sympathy and our love you are in our thoughts and prayers. May Heaven smile upon you and give you peace. Love to you and family. Gary and Karen Cluff sr.
I’m so sorry praying for you Ms.Brenda & your family You have my sincere condolences 😥💔
I will never forget the kindness Deacon displayed. Grateful I got the opportunity to serve with him and his lovely wife 💕.
Remembering a dear sweet soul with heartfelt sympathy.
My deepest condolences to the family in the loss of this wonderful gentle, man. Has always had a smile and kind word for everyone.
Thoughts and prayers to you.
My deepest condolences and prayers to the family so sorry for your loss. Very good person.
farewell to an awesome man of GOD ,to the family my deepest heart fell condolences.
Uncle Joe was the most sweetest humblest man I know. His sweet spirit and smile would brighten anybody’s day. Anytime I would go to food lion he would always help me to my car and wish me to have a good day. I had the privilege of sharing the same church home Faith Christian where I met him and his whole family had the privilege of being able to call him uncle Joe. He will definitely be missed. My prayers and condolences to his whole family and loved ones.
My condolences go out to the Isler family.
To Brenda I am truly saddened about your loss. I want you too know that I love you and I am Praying for you and your Family. We All know that God is Able and He Allowed You and Mr. Joe to Spend A life time together and I know that was Beautiful. So just keep Praying and Trusting God to Be You Helper in The Time of Need. The Goodness of God will Heal your Broken Heart. Because you already know that God is close to The Broken Hearted. Be Blessed and I was not aware of Joe’s Arrangements until Barbara told me yesterday at Whip’s Funeral.
God Bless Mr. Josiah Isler and his beautiful family. R.I.P. Sir.