Joshua Elisha Brittingham Sr., 73

MILTON - Joshua Elisha Brittingham Sr. of Milton made his transition to eternal rest and peace on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, at Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 73.

Son of the late Elder Jacob Sr. and Virginia Brittingham, he was born Aug. 15, 1934, in Berlin, Md.

Joshua received his elementary education at Richard Allen, Georgetown, Coolspring, Belltown and Milton, 196-C. He attended ninth grade at Benjamin Banneker, Milford, and William C. Jason, Georgetown, for 10th grade. Joshua persevered and received his GED diploma on Feb. 25, 1976.

He was a photography member of WPA.

Joshua was a member of the International Operating Engineer Union 542.

On June 9, 2002, he received a diploma in Biblical theology from Jameson School of Ministry.

Joshua was awarded membership to the National Geographic Society on Jan. 1, 2003.

He was employed by the George Lynch Construction Co., Milford. He also worked for the Danilla Co. and International Union Co., Norristown, Pa., where he was a member of the Operating Engineers Union until his retirement in 1999.

Joshua was a faithful and dedicated member of Mount Zion Holy Church, where he served as a junior class Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent from 1970-2001 and pastor aide treasurer.

He was a member of the Milton Harmonizers, Senior, Mass and Radio Broadcast Choirs and of the Delaware State Choir and the Mid Atlantic District Choir.

Joshua served as a publication photographer for Mount Sinai Holy Church of America.

On Oct. 25, 1958, he was united in holy matrimony to Irene Thompson. To this union they were blessed with eight children.

Joshua was a loving and devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

He had a friendly personality and was loved by all.

Joshua was always willing to lend a helping hand without looking for anything in return. He was outgoing and easy to make friends.

He was a man of many talents.

Joshua enjoyed playing the accordion, guitar and piano.

His favorite interest was taking photographs of people and nature.

He leaves to lovingly cherish their memories his devoted wife of 49 years, Irene Brittingham; eight children, Joyce Brittingham-Lewis of Dover, Joshua Brittingham Jr. and his wife Holly of North Attleboro, Mass., Veronica Brittingham of Milton, Bonita Marshall and her husband Emory of Newark, Teresa Miller and her husband Henry of Millsboro, Irene Sybrena Yette and her husband Bryan Kenosha of Wisconsin, Craig Brittingham and his wife Jessica of Milwaukee, and Aretha Ayers and her husband David of Bridgeville; 17 grandchildren, Brittany Lewis, Madison, Macy, Chad, Eric, Ava and Elijah Brittingham, LaMyra and Emory Jr. Marshall, Stephen, Stefan and Jayson Miller, Janelle Harmon, Justin Yette and Tyler and Joslin Kane; two great-grandchildren, Alana Evans and Chad Brittingham Jr.; two brothers, Presiding Elder Granville Brittingham and Minister James Brittingham, both of Milton; three sisters, Evangelist Viola Bratten of Millsboro, Esther Knapp and Bishop Grace Ruth Batten, both of Milton; his mother-in-law, Cassie Thompson; his sister and brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in Mt. Zion Holy Church, 325 Front St., Milton, where friends may call two hours prior and from 6 to 8 p.m. today.

Burial will be in Henlopen Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home.