Joe Marsea Tarver "Jahleek"

JOE MARSEA TARVER was born on December 16, 1969, to the late Felicia Ann Tarver and Ira McCullars, and departed this life on March 3, 2026.

Affectionately called ‘Joey’ (and popularly known as ‘Jahleek’), he grew up in the city of Albany, NY. JOEY was educated in the Albany City School system. JOEY was recognized as one of the best ‘B-Boy’ dancers in his hometown, and won many dance battles with his smooth Pop-Locking and Breakdancing skills. JOEY was also charismatic and witty, which served him well in rapping and wisecracking. With his unique talents, good looks and magnetic personality, it was no wonder, JOEY was popular among his peers and adored by his family.

Although his passion was music and dancing, JOEY entered the food service industry, in which he worked for most of his adult life. His most recent employer was Rivers Casino of Schenectady, NY.

JOEY lived his life unapologetically and on his own terms. What he enjoyed most was spending time with his,and his grandchildren, who were the loves of his life.

JOEY’s legacy of love, fun and laughter will be carried on with his loved ones. Left to honor and share his memory are: his father, Ira ‘Sham’ McCullars (Patricia McCullars) of Syracuse, NY, son, Jallah Tarver of Troy, NY, daughter, Kadayah Tarver (Rayson Smith) of Virginia Beach, VA, grandchildren, Reign, Jay’Saun and Sire Smith of Virginia Beach, VA, Jah’Szalina Tarver of Poestenkill, NY and Tiarza Desmore of Cambridge, NY, sisters, Barbara Dobbs (niece, Miesha Dobbs) of Virginia Beach, VA, Yakema (nephews, Ahquis, Aquell and Azure Tarver, Ahjahmel Lashley, niece, A’zani Johnson) and Kymeesha Tarver (nephews, Kymere, Ky’wuan, My’kere, Michai Thomas, niece, Kamajai Thomas) of Albany, NY, TaMarah Philpot of Brooklyn, NY, brothers, Ira Bilal Williams and Ameer McCullars of Syracuse, NY,  sister, Marilyn ‘Peaches’ Moore of Albany, NY, Auntie-Mom, Katie Mae Cox of Albany, NY, aunts Annie Tarver and Willie Mae Perrin of Albany, NY, Deloris Horton (Richard Horton) of Charlotte, NC, Gloria Franklen of Richmond, VA, uncles Allen Franklen and Isaiah “Tracy” McCullars of Albany, NY and Douglas Frazier of Syracuse, NY, godsisters,  Ayanna Knight of Albany, NY, Kahina Kornegay of Albany, NY, godbrother Josh Knight of Albany, NY and godmother, Beverly Knight plus a community of many more loved ones, relatives and friends.

Joey was predeceased by his mother, Felicia Ann Tarver, dad James "Pops" Cox wife, Miriam “Mona” Gadson-Tarver, son, Jahmel Tarver, nephew Mychael Thomas,  brother, Clifford Tarver and godfather, Joe “Teeny” Knight.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Marsea Tarver "Jahleek", please visit our floral store.