Joseph M. Boykin, Jr., 59, of Worcester, passed away Thursday, April 15th 2010 with his family at his side.

    Joseph was born on April 28th 1950, a son of the late Joseph M. Boykin, Sr. and Helen L. (Smith) Boykin. He graduated from Doherty High School in 1969 and attended The University of Massachusetts in Amherst as an Art major and has lived in Worcester all his life.

    Joseph is survived by his devoted and cherished family; his brothers, Steven A. Shakir and Lee R. Boykin both of Worcester and Michael A. Boykin of Tijuana, Mexico; his three sisters, Juanita E. Madison, and Danette M. Williams both of Worcester and Michele L. Boykin of Richmond, VA.; his cousins, Eva Diane Dickerson of Moreno Valley, Ca, Beverly Brown of Toledo, OH and Blake W. Waller of Worcester; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A brother, Wayne L. Boykin passed away in 1996, and a cousin Mary "Laurie" Chatfield passed away in 2009.

    Joseph worked in the maintenance department of The University of Massachusetts many years until retiring due to illness in 1997. He previously worked for the former City Hospital.

    Joe was a quiet man who loved spending time with his family. He loved music and playing musical instruments in his spare time. He was a skilled artist and painter and established several murals in the city, including one at the former Second Baptist Church on Summer Street.

    Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 20th at 11:00 am in The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow next to his cousin Laurie in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning prior to the service.