Joel Hiram Silver Jr.

Joel Hiram Silver, Jr. was born in Goldsboro, NC, August 1, 1950, to the late Joel Hiram Silver, Sr. and Augusta K. Silver. He moved to his heavenly home on March 9, 2025. Joel, affectionately called “Brother Boy”, by his family; and, “HIYO”, “Cabbage Head” and “Big Fella”, by his friends, grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He graduated from Dillard High School in 1968. Joel attended Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was a standout basketball player; and, graduated in 1973, with a BA degree in Economics. He also received an MBA in Finance and Masters in Economics from the University of Detroit, Michigan. He worked as a Financial Analyst for American Natural Resources and as a Senior Economist for Ford Motor Company in Detroit Michigan. Two of his greatest joys, after leaving corporate America and moving to Charlotte, were teaching math and coaching math teachers, in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. Joel pursued his passion of teaching and encouraging young people to appreciate higher mathematics for 21 years. He was recognized for improving students’ math test scores and for nurturing underachieving students to become math scholars. He was noted for saying, “All children need is to know that somebody cares for them and have high expectations of them. I am here for the children, when the janitor opens the doors and until the janitor closes the school. I want them to know that, if they need help, I am available.” Joel was preceded in death by his life’s partner, Adrian Davis. He leaves to carry on his legacy his children, Joi Michelle Silver, Joel Silver, III and his daughter-in-law Janail Silver, all in Farmington, Michigan. He also leaves his children’s mother, Gwendolyn Bynum of Farmington, Michigan. He leaves his six grandchildren to cherish his memory: Jalen, Jayla, Joelle, Raegan, Jasmine and Jacelynn Silver, who were his greatest joy and the subjects of his many conversations. He also leaves six siblings, to carry on his legacy, Gloria Silver, Goldsboro, NC; Esther Silver-Parker (Ronald), Rogers, AR; Elder, Dr. Linda Silver Coley (Bobby), Durham, NC; Patricia Kittrell, Charlotte, NC; Dr. Joseph Silver (Rosalyn), Atlanta, GA; Shelton Silver, Charlotte, NC; and, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joel Hiram Silver Jr.

August 1, 1950 - March 9, 2025