Obituary for Joseph Avery Govan Sr.
Joseph Avery Govan, Sr, affectionately known as “Mousey” was born in Cabarrus County, North Carolina on December 14, 1952, to the late Eirthley and Susie Govan. At the age of seventy, after living a full and blessed life, he went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
Mousey was educated in the Washington, D.C., and Cabarrus County school districts. In March of 1973, he married Voncilla Matthews where they resided in Silver Spring, Maryland. From this union, two children were born. In July of 1981, he married Ann Boone where they resided in Southeast, Washington, DC. From this union, one child was born.
Joe showed himself to be a hard worker. In July of 1974, Joe began a career as a bus driver for DC Metro where he drove routes in Southeast and Northeast DC. In 1981, he began his federal government career in General Services Administration (GSA) Fuels. During his time at GSA, he was able to participate in the GSA Management Internship Program where he achieved the titles of Senior Marketing Specialist, Senior Auctioneer, and Contracting Officer for the Sales Program at the Personal Property Sales Center located in Springfield, Virginia. Joe then continued his career in 1991 as the Supervisor of Centralized Excess Property Operation (CEPO) for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). His hard work and dedication to his career afforded him the opportunity to eventually become Director of the Material Management Service Center in the CEPO division at USDA. Joe always boasted about his team and how proud he was of their work ethic.
Mousey was very big on his Govan family and how they were not afraid to show love to each other no matter the occasion. So much so that those who had the privilege of the “Govan Experience” never wanted to leave. He always reminisced about the Govan men’s gatherings and the hours of calls from his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Mousey also loved to cook and entertain. Professionally, he and his sister Barbara formed a catering company called “” where they successfully displayed their Govan hospitality for “” years. Personally, you could find Mousey in the kitchen or outside at his latest handmade smoker or grill cooking for his family and friends. On the offseason, he was always wiring up the entire house for the upcoming Govan summer gathering so he could play his latest “JoeJam Playlist” throughout the house and even outside for everyone to enjoy.
Mousey left to cherish with fond and loving memories, his partner, Sharon Barkley of Waldorf, MD, his son, Joseph Govan, Jr. of Springdale, MD and daughter, Adrienne Govan of Norfolk, VA. He is predeceased by his children, Carlvin Govan and Keith Govan. His five grandchildren, Cameron, Jaylin, Ulyssia, Alonna, and Angel Govan. He also leaves his brothers and sisters, Eirthley Govan, Jr., Kannapolis, NC, Barbara Driggins (Cornelius), Lanham, MD, Phyllis Boyce, Charlotte, NC, Amelia McDaniel (Billy), New Castle, DE, Wesley Govan, New Castle, DE, Henry Govan, Harrisburg, NC, Dwayne Govan (Arlene), Charlotte, NC, Joe Nathan, Harrisburg, NC, Israel Govan, Harrisburg, NC, Chris Govan, Raleigh, NC, Sedrick Govan, Charlotte, NC, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Joseph “Mousey” Govan was a son, brother, father, Uncle Mousey, and friend to many that he encountered. He gave his all from his heart and soul because he felt so blessed with all the Lord had blessed him with and how far the Lord had brought him. He reached his final destination on this earth with a full heart knowing that he was loved unconditionally. May he rest well knowing that his work on this earth speaks for him.
Mousey was educated in the Washington, D.C., and Cabarrus County school districts. In March of 1973, he married Voncilla Matthews where they resided in Silver Spring, Maryland. From this union, two children were born. In July of 1981, he married Ann Boone where they resided in Southeast, Washington, DC. From this union, one child was born.
Joe showed himself to be a hard worker. In July of 1974, Joe began a career as a bus driver for DC Metro where he drove routes in Southeast and Northeast DC. In 1981, he began his federal government career in General Services Administration (GSA) Fuels. During his time at GSA, he was able to participate in the GSA Management Internship Program where he achieved the titles of Senior Marketing Specialist, Senior Auctioneer, and Contracting Officer for the Sales Program at the Personal Property Sales Center located in Springfield, Virginia. Joe then continued his career in 1991 as the Supervisor of Centralized Excess Property Operation (CEPO) for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). His hard work and dedication to his career afforded him the opportunity to eventually become Director of the Material Management Service Center in the CEPO division at USDA. Joe always boasted about his team and how proud he was of their work ethic.
Mousey was very big on his Govan family and how they were not afraid to show love to each other no matter the occasion. So much so that those who had the privilege of the “Govan Experience” never wanted to leave. He always reminisced about the Govan men’s gatherings and the hours of calls from his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Mousey also loved to cook and entertain. Professionally, he and his sister Barbara formed a catering company called “” where they successfully displayed their Govan hospitality for “” years. Personally, you could find Mousey in the kitchen or outside at his latest handmade smoker or grill cooking for his family and friends. On the offseason, he was always wiring up the entire house for the upcoming Govan summer gathering so he could play his latest “JoeJam Playlist” throughout the house and even outside for everyone to enjoy.
Mousey left to cherish with fond and loving memories, his partner, Sharon Barkley of Waldorf, MD, his son, Joseph Govan, Jr. of Springdale, MD and daughter, Adrienne Govan of Norfolk, VA. He is predeceased by his children, Carlvin Govan and Keith Govan. His five grandchildren, Cameron, Jaylin, Ulyssia, Alonna, and Angel Govan. He also leaves his brothers and sisters, Eirthley Govan, Jr., Kannapolis, NC, Barbara Driggins (Cornelius), Lanham, MD, Phyllis Boyce, Charlotte, NC, Amelia McDaniel (Billy), New Castle, DE, Wesley Govan, New Castle, DE, Henry Govan, Harrisburg, NC, Dwayne Govan (Arlene), Charlotte, NC, Joe Nathan, Harrisburg, NC, Israel Govan, Harrisburg, NC, Chris Govan, Raleigh, NC, Sedrick Govan, Charlotte, NC, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Joseph “Mousey” Govan was a son, brother, father, Uncle Mousey, and friend to many that he encountered. He gave his all from his heart and soul because he felt so blessed with all the Lord had blessed him with and how far the Lord had brought him. He reached his final destination on this earth with a full heart knowing that he was loved unconditionally. May he rest well knowing that his work on this earth speaks for him.