Joseph Louis Creasy  (named after Joe Louis/the boxer) 

DOB: 6/28/41 - 82 yrs. old

Joe was born at home and raised in the Shores area of Fluvanna, only several miles from the Bremo Plantation where some of Joe’s ancestors were enslaved. Joe is the third oldest of 16 children. He went to Dunbar Elementary School, a Rosenwald School. He graduated as valedictorian from the African American S.C. Abrams High School. With a scholarship, he obtained a bachelor’s degree from Virginia State University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).  Joe joined the Army following graduation and had a distinguished 28-year Army career, culminating in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.   In the 1970’s, Joe started the ROTC program at Jackson State University (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi; this was one of the most satisfying accomplishments in his Army career.  He also received a masters’ degree from Jackson State University.

Twelve years ago, Joe first learned of his enslaved three-times great-grandfather, Ben Creasy, a carpenter at the General John Hartwell Cocke Plantation in Fluvanna County in Bremo, VA. Ben’s gravestone, engraved with his name and birth and death dates (very unusual for a slave), is in the plantation's slave cemetery. 

In a recently-found letter dated 1840, Ben Creasy’s son, Jack Creasy wrote to two of his younger brothers at another Cocke plantation in Alabama.  General Cocke enabled his slaves to learn to read and write, though that was illegal at the time.  Joe treasures these words from Jack's letter, which embodies the way that Joe has unknowingly lived his life.

“I would take this occasion my dear brothers, for we have not often chances of hearing from each other –- to recommend to you to keep before your eyes the example of our Father whose character was honest and upright all his days, and whose good example we should all endeavour to the best of our power to follow & to practice. He grew up with a good character, and he stuck to it through his long life. He knew the worth of being honest & just & faithful in all his dealings -- & when he died no man could accuse him. So may it be with us.”

Joe returned to Fluvanna in 2018 to carry on the Creasy family legacy.  One of his many activities includes being President of the Fluvanna NAACP.

Joe’s portrait was painted at a sitting in the Bremo Slave Chapel, built in 1835 & the only slave chapel known to exist in Virginia. At some point his enslaved ancestors most likely worshipped in this chapel.

Joe