Joseph Shumake's Obituary
Joseph Shumake, affectionately known as "Joe Butta," born to Vickie Foreman and David Shumake kicked off on October 26, 2000, in Richmond, California, setting the stage for a life marked by extraordinary athleticism and unwavering dedication.
At an early age, Joseph’s affinity for music and dance was unmistakable. Fondly known as “jo jo dancer” by his father, he brought boundless energy and joy to every dance floor. His chubby cheeks and bright smile would light up grandma Essie’s living room with his Michael Jackson impersonation. Raised by his grandma, Joseph and his siblings attended Corithian’s Church of God In Christ in Vallejo, CA every Sunday, where he was baptized and discovered his musical talents as he often played the drums and sometimes sang in the Sunshine Band.
Joseph loved to eat! He loved his grandmother cooking and snacks. He kept snacks hidden in the room to have when he played his favorite video game at the time, Madden.His love for his brother Solomon was never unnoticed. Being that they are only two years apart, they would walk to Cave Elementary School to play basketball and later return home where they laughed and joked while freestyling raps against each other. As Joseph matured into a young man, he developed a love for fitness and health, actively working out and often posting videos to show his progress.
Joseph graduated from Vallejo High School in 2018, where he was a multi-sport athlete, playing both JV and Varsity Football, as well as JV and Varsity basketball for the East Bay Soldiers. With his standout performance on the football field, he secured a scholarship to Los Medanos College, where he played as a running back for the college football team. In 2023, Joseph earned his Associates Degree as an Umoja Scholar, preparing him for further academic and professional success. His academic achievements earned him a scholarship to Arizona Christian University. After a season at ACU, he transferred to Missouri Valley College, where he continued to showcase his talents as a running back for the Missouri Valley Vikings. Joseph was set to graduate May 2025 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology.
Joseph was known for his kind heart, passion for football, musical talents, and love for food. His resilience and compassion for others touched everyone he met. He cherished his role as an uncle and brother, pouring unconditional love into his nieces, nephews and siblings. Just as his promising career was getting started, his final touchdown came on May 14, 2024, closing a chapter filled with notable accomplishments both on and off the field.
He leaves behind to mourn his mother, Vickie Foreman; six sisters, LaShun Shumake, Kimberly Ann Shumake-Ayers, Toya Lynn Shumake-Lampley, Porsheana Brown, Tasion Kwamilele, and Queana Foreman; two brothers, Kevin Shumake, and Solomon Shumake; three nephews, Tommy Walker Jr, Tristan Lampley, and Micah Henderson; and six nieces, Toni Harris, Michelle’e Harris, Khailey Kwamilele, Trinity Eaves, Nia Alsup, and Maliyah Henderson.
Preceding him in death were his father, David Shumake Jr.; grandparents, Essie and Bob Foreman and Annie M. Shumake; brother, Anthony Shumake; aunt, Vernell Farmer; uncles, Robert Foreman, David Foreman, and Michael Shumake, and his first cousin Rudy Foreman.
Joe will always be loved and missed, and the time his family and friends shared with him on earth will forever be cherished.
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