On September 14, 2018, Reverend Joseph Harkless made his peaceful transition from labor to reward at the age of 71.  He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on April 3, 1947 to the late Audrey M. Hopkins and the late Joseph T. Harkless.  He served as a Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church of Massillon, Ohio for thirty one years, former Pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in East Conemaugh, Pennsylvania, and served as Chaplain at Indian River Correctional School in Massillon, Ohio for twenty one plus years.

Reverend Harkless' accomplishments include: Master of Arts New Testament, Ashland Theological Seminary, attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Bachelor of Arts Sociology and Christian  Ministries, Malone College, a licensed social worker, was recognized as Treatment Professional of the year at Indian River Correctional School, was licensed at Jerusalem Baptist Church under the  leadership of his father Rev. Harold Hopkins and ordained at Shiloh Baptist Church, and was the Assistant Minister under the leadership of the late Reverend W.C. Henderson at Antioch Baptist Church in Canton, Ohio, and was an advocate for HIV patients.  He was a Seamen in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.

He was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his loving wife Dorothy, (3) children; Rev. Adena (Rev. Robert) Beach, Joseph (Natasha) Harkless, Jordan Harkless; (2) shining star grandchildren, Brittany and Elijah Beach; father, Rev. Harold Hopkins; loving brother, Raymond Harkless; loving sister, Stephanie (Elder Billie) Falconer; spiritual family, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Motley and daughter Norma, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.  Spiritual Sons & Daughters called under the leadership of Rev. Harkless:  Elder Percy Hye, Rev. Joyce Phillips, Rev. Gaylin Johnson, Rev. David Thompson, Rev. Gilda Hampton, Evangelist Danielle Thompson, Rev. Adena Beach, Rev. Robert Beach, Elijah Beach, Prayer Wise.