Joseph Jerry Ledbetter, 81, of Crescent City, entered the sunset of life on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Ridgecrest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Deland. The son of John Henry and Roxana Ledbetter, he was born on Tuesday, October 22, 1940, in Sylvania, Georgia. Although he gained the nickname "Doll Baby" from his family, he was affectionately known as Joe by most who knew him. Early in his childhood the family relocated to the Crescent City area. As a young adult Joe moved quite a bit – Fort Myers, Seville, and New York – finally settling back in Crescent City. On July 19, 1973, he married his soulmate, Jessie Robinson.

Joe was a faithful member of the House of God Church in Crescent City, where he served until the time of his illness. He served as a deacon in the church as well as on the Willing Workers Committee. Joe was a Past Worshipful Master of New Moon Lodge #32, Past Worthy Patron of Flossie Hopkins Mann Chapter #174 Order of Eastern Star, and a member of the Heroines of Jericho, all in Crescent City. Joe was an avid fisherman; he could be found on one of many local lakes on any given morning. He was also a self-taught chef. He was known for being able to cook any and every thing,and cooking it well. Everyone knew to simply look for the smoke from his barbecue grill on any holiday, and they would be welcome to come and grab a bite to eat.

On August 9, 2022, Joe joined his love of forty-nine years in Heaven. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in eternal rest by eight siblings, John, Thomas, Judy Ann, Jerome, Burger, Andrew, Geraldine, and Walter Ledbetter.

He leaves to cherish his memories: six sons, Joseph Ledbetter, Jr., of Deltona, Bruce Ledbetter of Crescent City, Donald (Paula) Chavis of Palatka, Paul (Nadine) Thompson of Crescent City, Eugene Ledbetter of Crescent City, and Marco (Hazel) Ledbetter of Fort Benning, Georgia; two daughters, Priscilla Ledbetter of Albany, New York, and Roxie (Terry) Mims of Jacksonville; two siblings, James Ledbetter of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Angel (Gerald) Duke of Crescent City; fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, godchildren, and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, August 19 at Crescent City House of God Church, 1020 Clemons Lane, Crescent City. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 20 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church (South Campus), 608 Randolph Street, Crescent City. Bishop Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., Pastor of Palatka House of God Church, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Crescent City.