Joseph Franklin Wooten

Joseph Franklin Wooten was born in Lake Providence, Louisiana on October 1, 1937, to James Willie Wooten and Buelah Mayfield Wooten. Joe was the youngest of 11 children born to James and Buelah. Joe was baptized at the age of 10 at Mount Olive Baptist Church, officiated by Elder Cat Cable. In 1955 Joe's family relocated to San Bernardino, California. Joe graduated from San Bernardino High school in 1956. In his early twenties, Joe moved to Las Vegas and was employed at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino as a Bellman and a Bar Porter until he retired. After Joe's retirement from the Tropicana, Joe began working for the Clark County School District, where he worked for 6 years.

In 1968 Joe met his first wife, Martha Ann Whitmore. On January 25, 1969, Joe took Martha Ann Whitmore as his wife, and they remained happily married for many years. Martha and Joe separated in 1978 but remained friends until her death in 2019. From their marriage Joe and Martha raised two beautiful children: a daughter, Nichelle Carter and a son, Jermaine Joseph Wooten. In November of 1979 Joe married again. Joe married Alice Clifford. The marriage was short, but Joe maintained a close relationship with Alice’s sons. In November 1996 Joe and Alice found their way back to each other where they re-married and remained married until her passing in March 2023.

Joe was an active and dedicated member of Victory Missionary Baptist Church for many years. Joe was ordained a Deacon in 1990 by Sr. Pastor, A.J. Thompson, and taught Sunday School for many years. Joe demonstrated kindness toward all individuals and was held in high regard by everyone he met. Joe was always willing to help at a time of need. Joe was gentle and kind to everyone he met, he had an infectious smile, and his hugs were full of warmth and love.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Wooten, his parents, James and Buelah Mayfield Wooten, siblings, Melvin Thomas Wooten, James Willie Wooten Jr., Leodis Wooten, Freddie Wooten Sr., Pinkie Mae Bailey, Willie May Cater, Bertrand McGrew, and Laura Annie Hampton.

Joseph is gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Joe leaves to cherish his memory, one son Jermaine Joseph Wooten (Dora), of Las Vegas, daughter, Nichelle Carter of North Las Vegas, stepsons, Raymond Sailor Jr. (Pam) of Hartford, CT, LeRoy Sailor of Las Vegas, two sisters, Clara Dell Thomas, and Zeonia Parker (Harry). Joe also leaves behind grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.