Joshua Blakney, Sr.

Joshua “Bo” Blakney, Sr., was born on September 22, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Odessa Floyd Blakney and Leroy “LD” Blakney. He was the fourth of eight children and a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. On Friday, July 4, 2025, Joshua peacefully entered into eternal rest.

Joshua received his early education through the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Baltimore City College in 1965. On May 20, 1966, he began working at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Tray Line Food Service Worker in the Department of Nutrition.

In 1966, Joshua answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 15. He was stationed in Germany, where he served as a Hand-carrier for the Military Postal Service. His dedication and service earned him a promotion to Sergeant on October 1, 1968. He was released from active duty in 1970 and honorably discharged in 1972.

After his military service, Joshua returned to Johns Hopkins Hospital, resuming his role with the Tray Line Team, and served as Shop Steward for the Union at Johns Hopkins.  He took great pride in his work and went above and beyond, redesigning pick lists for dry and paper goods, bread, fruits, vegetables, and dairy—all on his initiative and on his own time. His dedication and work ethic exemplified the true spirit of teamwork. He retired in October 2012, having faithfully served the hospital and community for 44 years.

In 1981, Joshua married the love of his life, Gloria Jean Perkins. Together, they raised three children—two daughters and a son—with devotion and love until Gloria’s passing in 2008. He later found companionship again and remarried Levada Pressly.

Joshua was a man of quiet strength and thoughtful presence. He had a passion for working on cars, a love for food, and an incredible talent for organization. He often helped others with their taxes and took pride in “getting things done.” While soft-spoken, he was never afraid to share his opinion when it mattered, and he especially enjoyed a good laugh, frequently joking about the “muffin top.”

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Minnie Ruth Hawkins, Angeles Blakney, Aaron Blakney, Rhonda Diane White, Lorraine Ware, and Venus Blakney.

Joshua’s legacy lives on through those who loved him: his wife Levada; children Gloria (Angel), Regina, and Joshua Jr. (Jennifer); siblings Betty Henson, Nellie Hester, Mary Magaline Blakney, Dennis Blakney, and Leroy Lamar Blakney, Jr.; eleven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three stepchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and two lifelong best friends, Gary Myers and Gary Milton.

Joshua “Bo” Blakney will be remembered for his kindness, hard work, integrity, and the quiet but steady love he gave to everyone around him.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family