Henry Loo Joe passed away surrounded by his family on September 21, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Wing Soon Joe and his brother Jimmy Loo Joe, and is survived by his wife, Louise Belcher Joe, and his two daughters; Suelin Joe Schilleci (Phillip) and Lindsay Catherine Joe. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Catherine Favor Schilleci and Margaret Elizabeth Schilleci. Henry was born on April 27, 1949, in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Shades Valley High School, The University of Montevallo, and served in the Air National Guard while preparing to work for his family business. Henry was the third generation of the Joe family to own and operate Joy Young's Restaurant. His parents instilled in their family the importance of love, dignity, compassion, hard work, and service to their community. Henry and his siblings, Suelin Joe Lee, George Loo Joe (Betsy), John Loo Joe (Carol Ann) and Jimmy Loo Joe were raised in the restaurant where they learned these family values. The history of Birmingham evolved in and around Joy Young's and the Joe family. Marriages were proposed, families gathered in celebrations, business deals were finalized, and civil rights advanced around Joy Young's tables. The favorite menu item was the Joy Young's Famous Egg Rolls, which Henry, himself, made each day. Henry continued to dedicate his career to the food service industry following the restaurant's closure, as it was his nature to always generously provide for others through his gracious hospitality. His greatest love was his family and being able to cook and spend time with them. Friends and family remember Henry as generous, kind, loyal, and as always having an infectious smile. The family will have a private memorial service at St. Mary's-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church where he was a dedicated member. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary's-on-the-Highlands or the National Ataxia Foundation.

Published by The Birmingham News from Sep. 23 to Sep. 25, 2020.