Joel Isai Santos

November 18, 1996 – January 17, 2021

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined

what God has prepared for those who love Him.

—1 Corinthians 2:9

Joel Isai Santos passed into Eternal Life on January 17, 2021, in Leesburg, Virginia, with his loving family by his side.

Joel was born on November 18, 1996, to Teofilo Alvarez Santos and Vilma Santos in Arlington, Virginia, the youngest of three children.  He was predeceased by Estanislao Gomez and Lucia Flores, his loving grandparents.  He is survived by his parents, by his sisters, Elsy and her husband Oscar Chicas, and Wendy and her husband Manuel Roque, and their children: one niece (Angelie) and two nephews (Brian and Eli), who loved and admired him dearly.  Joel loved and enjoyed his niece and nephews and made it his purpose to be the best uncle.  He coached soccer with his best friend, Christian Alfaro, up until the start of this pandemic. Joel is also survived by the Galilea Assembly of God Church family, his paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, his girlfriend (Andi Flamenco) and many, many dear friends.

Joel Santos, AKA Joey, was a self-taught barber.  He started cutting hair in his backyard with only a clipper, a stool and a trash bag.  He then moved on into a real barbershop as a receptionist.  Five months later Joey took a step back to review his options and decided to continue pursuing the barbering business.  He became acquainted with Anthony Davis ("Plus") and his barber school, Headz 1st Barber Institute in Sterling, Virginia.  Joey put in 1,500 hours of schooling, took his exams and was officially licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia in February 2018.  Joey was the founder of J.S. the Pole & Crown, where you could, as Joey liked to say, "not only get a haircut, but an experience."

From a young age, Joey loved and appreciated music. He was a gifted drummer and acoustic guitarist, and also played the ukulele and harmonica.  Joey was full of dreams that he worked diligently to realize.  He was full of ideas with the goals of growing his company and retiring his parents with financial freedom and stability.  Joey was a happy, joyful and giving person.  He had his frustrations and setbacks in life but quickly persevered because making those around him happy was of greater importance.

Joey made it a priority to bring cheer and laughter wherever he went.  HeJoey had the power to walk into any room and brighten it up with a simple smile.  He was always full of happiness and laughter, brightening everyone's day.  He loved capturing memories and cherished spending time with friends and family because he always wanted to make others happy.  Joey had the best sense of humor! There was never a dull moment in his life.  He seemed to always make sure that those around him felt cared for and loved.  Joey's heart was always in the right place.  His heart was so big, humble, pure, and sincere.  This is what made him so special to those who knew him.

Joey was a man after God's own heart.  He loved God and trusted in the Lord's purpose and will for his life.  Joey made the best of every chapter in his life, pursued his dreams and accomplished many goals.  The love he had for his family and friends, his jokes and contagious laughter are our fondest memories.  His determination and unwillingness to settle for less than his best effort has marked us, and we will never be the same.  We feel blessed and privileged to have known such an amazing man of God.  May his body rest and his beautiful spirit remain alive!

And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory.

But if we are to share His glory, we must also share his suffering.

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

—Romans 8:17-18

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good

of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

—Romans 8:28

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies,

for then we will be at home with the Lord.

—2 Corinthians 5:8