Joseph David Booker, Sr.

Joseph David Booker Sr., age 72, of Temple Hills, Maryland, passed away on October 11, 2026, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He was born on June 23, 1954, in Washington, D.C., to Joseph and Annie Booker.

After graduating from Chamberlain Vocational High School, Joseph began his career as an International Business Machines (IBM) specialist for the District of Columbia Public Schools. After leaving IBM, Joseph transitioned to McDonald's Corporation as a manager and maintenance technician. While attending management training at McDonald's Hamburger College in 1975, he met his future wife, Mary F. Hodge.

Joseph and Mary wed on September 24, 1983. What began as a meeting during their professional journeys grew into a lasting relationship built on love, friendship, and partnership. Together, Joseph and Mary shared 43 years of marriage, creating a life filled with family, cherished memories, and companionship.

Joseph eventually transitioned to one of his greatest passions: insects. He spent many years working as a pest control technician, combining his professional experience with his genuine fascination with the insect world. During this period, he worked for the pest control companies Orkin, Paramount, Fogle, and Premier.

Joseph's love of insects went far beyond his work. He was fascinated by the many different species he encountered and took great pride in photographing them and sharing his discoveries with others. Whenever he had the opportunity, Joseph would educate people about insects, sharing his knowledge, experiences, and enthusiasm. He enjoyed helping others see the interesting side of a subject that many people might overlook. Whether showing off photographs of the different species he caught or explaining something new about an insect, Joseph was always eager to share what he knew.

Beyond his fascination with insects, Joseph enjoyed fishing, gardening, lawn care, and traveling. He made it a point to travel wherever his son, Joseph Jr., was assigned while serving in the United States Air Force, whether stateside or overseas.

He especially treasured spending time with his family. He found joy in life's simple pleasures and in the activities that allowed him to explore his interests and connect with the people he loved.

Music was another great love of Joseph's. He loved listening to his oldies but goodies, and Motown artists were his absolute favorites. Music of all genres brought him happiness throughout his life.

Joseph will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and dedication to his community. He had a special way of bringing smiles to people's faces, whether they knew him personally or not. He was the kind of person who would drive by anyone, give them a friendly “toot-toot,” and wave. That simple, unmistakable gesture reflected his outgoing personality and his natural ability to brighten someone's day. Joseph had a way of making people feel acknowledged and bringing a little happiness into an ordinary moment.

Joseph leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his beloved wife, Mary Frances Booker; his sons, Joseph D. Booker Jr. and James Hall; and his grandchildren, Joseph D. Booker III, Dae'Shawn Dixon, Brian and Ryan Carroll, Zavian Landcaster, Autumn Booker, Camiah Murray, Noelle Murray, Alyssia Carroll, and Reina Carroll.

He is also survived by his son-in-law, Calvin Murray, the husband of his late daughter, Angela N. Murray; his sister, Denise Moore; his nephews, Antonio Moore and Quentin Moore; his great-niece, Da'Niese Moore; his great-grandnephew-in-law, Maurice; his great-grandniece, Dayonnie; and his great-grandnephew, Santana. He also leaves behind his brothers-in-law, James Hodge and Francis Hodge, along with extended family and many dear friends.

Joseph's life was marked by curiosity, laughter, music, family, and a genuine appreciation for the world around him. Whether sharing his knowledge of insects, enjoying his favorite Motown songs, tending to his garden, fishing, or driving by with his familiar “toot-toot” and wave, he brought his own special kind of joy to those around him.

His love for his family, his unique interests, his humor, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Joseph will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph D. Booker; his mother, Annie G. Booker; and his daughter, Angela N. Murray.