Josephine (Jo) Smith, 86, was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday December 13th, 2023 after an eight-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and loved ones in the peace and comfort of her home in Bath, Indiana.
Josephine was born on May 30th, 1937 to Thomas & Ella Faye (Stone) Johnson of Estill County, Kentucky. She was the eldest of seven children.
Her memory will be forever cherished by her children Linda, Keith, and Judy, grandchildren Crystal, William, Jeff (Trish), Anthony (Marjorie), Shyla (Michael), Nathan, Yolanda, Donna (Travis), Tommy, Hailee, and Nicole, as well as many great and great-great-grandchildren, her siblings Irene, Laura (Earl), Harold Dean (Lou-Ellen), and Wanda, several nieces and nephews, and other family members and special life-long friends. Jo was preceded in death by her parents Tom & Ella Faye, brothers Clayton & Paul, former spouses Thomas Jr. & Raleigh Clark, son Phillip Hawkins & daughter-in-law Eileen, son-in-law Mike Corbin, niece Flora Faye, and granddaughter Billie Jo.
In 1955, Jo was united in marriage with Thomas Hawkins Jr. of Irvine, Kentucky. They lived in Washington state while Tommy Jr. served in the U.S. Army, and later moved to Indiana. During their time together, they welcomed three children – daughter Linda, and sons Phillip & Keith.
Jo later married Raleigh Clark Smith of Bath, Indiana. They welcomed their daughter, Judy.
Jo worked as a server at Hueston Woods Lodge in Oxford, Ohio. She was dedicated to providing exceptional service, as evidenced through customer notes of appreciation left on the back of their meal checks, a quick nod to a job well done. Those close to Josephine saw that same dedication sparkle and shine as she began cleaning houses. She appreciated a clean home and enjoyed cleaning for several clients who would become treasured life-long friends.
In 2017, Jo was proud to be baptized and became a member of Westside Baptist Church in Hamilton, Ohio.
Josephine loved plants and flowers, especially African Violets. Her favorite colors were purple, navy blue, and gray. She had a houseful of trinkets and knick-knacks and a story to go with each one. She wore curlers to bed to ensure her perfect hairdo the next morning. She liked to wear rings and jewelry, and always had her fingernails painted. She was silly and ornery and fun and flirty. She’d smile and wink as she giggled about boys with her granddaughters. She’d tease her grandsons about being so handsome they’d have girls lined up around the block. She loved to dance. She enjoyed her smokes and her coffee. It’s said that Jo never met a stranger – everyone was her honey.
Though she was a daughter, sister, mother, and friend, Jo’s most coveted role was that of Grandma. She relished the title and proved time and time again her love and devotion to her family. Grandma Jo, as she was affectionately called, had 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She loved each and every one of those kids, her heart never too full for another little one to adore. “Gimme some sugar” she’d say and kiss those babies on the cheek. Her home was always open to her kids and grandkids; cousins enjoyed time together playing in the yard, Easter-egg hunting in the spring, and sneaking to watch scary movies in the living room. When asked if they could spend the night, she’d never tell them no. Her grandkids remember fondly that they’d climb in bed with her late at night and she’d sing old Kentucky songs until they’d fall asleep. Her children and grandchildren describe Grandma Jo as the matriarch of their family and the glue that holds them all together. To them she is their rock, their queen, their main person, their true constant, and their saving grace. They’ll think of her often, as a song, quote, scent, or special memory will always keep her in their hearts. They’ll miss her immensely and her legacy of love, strength, and perseverance will be carried on through them for generations to come.
Services are Monday, December 18 at 1 p.m. at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 929 Main Street, Brookville, with visitation for 2 hours prior. Burial will follow in Springfield cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the family in care of the funeral home to help with expenses. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Josephine Smith.