Fabian Lopez Joseph, "Angel"

Mr. Fabian Lopez Joseph, "Angel", age 47, of Sanford, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

The Obituary

“Angel” Fabian Lopez Joseph was born to Adolfina “Elpina” Joseph Lopez in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, also known as Bilwi on December 26. His official birth records, which were recreated, indicate 1977 as the year he was born, though he often referred to 1972 as the actual year of his birth. He passed away on October 9, 2025, doing what he loved to do best, using his skills to help others, at the home of a beloved member of his church, Greater Zion Holy Temple.

Affectionately called by many different names, including Angel, Mr. Angel, Fabian, Lopez, Mr. Lopez, Tio and Dad, Fabian's life was one of constant striving to become the best version of himself that he could be for God, his family and his friends.  As a young man, Fabian immigrated to the United States, first living in Charlotte, North Carolina and then settling in Cumnock, North Carolina which became home. In his lifetime, Fabian mastered three languages---English, Spanish and his native language of Miskito of which he was a very proud speaker. In addition to being multilingual, Fabian was a skilled carpenter and built many houses in neighborhoods across Sanford and Lee County as well as in Charlotte. He also used these skills to help others by doing handy-man jobs for family, friends, the elderly, church members and organizations like Habitat for Humanity where he once helped to build a house for a local family. 

Fabian loved music of all sorts from all around the world. He enjoyed dancing, viewing and creating art, working with his hands and spending time with people. He loved a good joke and could often be found still laughing about a punchline hour or even days after it had been delivered. On Sunday, October 5, 2025, he re-dedicated his life to Jesus Christ at Greater Zion Holy Temple where he found the love and acceptance of a church family. He would often speak of how much he loved Greater Zion and took great joy in helping out at the church in any way he could from cutting grass to ushering on Sunday morning.

He was blessed with the love of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother-in-law, Rebecca Currie Thompson Clegg, who he loved dearly; sisters, Julia Martínez Joseph and Salvadora Joseph; one brother, Kelly Willis Joseph and his special friend, Victoria (Godfrey) Chesney.

He leaves to cherish his memory his former wife, Angel Mills (James Haynie); children, Angel Lucien Lopez and Angel Araya Lopez (both of the home) and Jemsin Alarcón Espinoza (Nicaragua); grandchildren, Angel Cadence and Angel Melody; in-laws, Gladys and Victor Mills, Victor Mills Jr.; mother, Adolfina Joseph Lopez; brothers, Kelvin Efrain Joseph Lopez, Jim Vans Joseph, Greg Vans Joseph; sisters, Marylee Medina Joseph, Gladis Chow Joseph, and Karen Vans Joseph. He also leaves behind adoptive father, Maximo Alarcon; adoptive siblings, Samaria Alarcon, Dora Alarcon, and Maximo Alarcon Jr., as well as a multitude of other family members, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he treasured. His fun-loving nature and infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC