Josephine LaVelle Johnson's Obituary
Josephine LaVelle Johnson, 89 of Memphis, TN peacefully passed away after a long and remarkable life on Friday November 3, 2023.
Born on January 31, 1934, in Memphis, TN. She was the daughter of Selma and John LaVelle.
Josie was the final surviving member of her generation preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mary Margaret Goodwin and Betty Martin and survived by her brother Robert Goodwin.
On August 5th, 1950 Josie married the love of her life Gilbert Lee Johnson at Holy Names Catholic Church Memphis, TN.
Together, Josie and Gil chose to establish their home in Frayser where they resided for 41 years.
GOD blessed them with five children: Debra Lee Russell, Sandy Lafky, Mary Jean Collier, Karen Johnson, Kevin Johnson in addition to ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Josie was a devoted Catholic and parishioner at several parishes over her lifetime, including Holy Names, Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen of Peace and Resurrection Parishes.
Josie was a loving Daughter, Wife, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt and was devoted to her family. Her home was always filled with the aroma of home cooked food she passionately prepared for her loved ones. Throughout her life, she was a caregiver to her family.
In the last five years of her life, she lived at Kirby Pines Retirement Community. She was cared for by a caring, compassionate, and devoted staff.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital in honor of Zadie Mae Diggs. www.stjude.org/donate
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