Josephine H. Oliver

Josephine “Jose” Harrell Oliver, was born in Climax, GA on May 12, 1952. She was the third of eight children born to the late Ira James and Etha Mae Harrell. In 1953, Jose relocated to St. Petersburg, FL with her parents and siblings.

In her younger adult years she spent most of her time serving others while working as a CNA and later caring for her own mother. In 1975, after the passing of her mother, she raised her younger siblings into adulthood. Josephine was the mother of seven (now adult) children who she raised largely on her own. Her true passion and purpose in life was mothering her children and caring for others. She knew no stranger and often opened her kitchen and even her home to others in need. She was such a kind and giving woman who believed in helping others in any way she could. She loved all people without judgment. To know our mother was to love her. She was a barrel of laughs and loved to see others laughing and smiling.

Josephine rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized at 20th Street Church of Christ on December 02, 2014. After years of selflessly serving others, on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 the Lord called her home. We lost our mother and gained a Guardian Angel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ira James and Etha Mae Harrell; her son, Allen T. Jones; sister, Valerie L. Harrell; and brothers, Larry D. Harrell and Daniel L. Harrell.

Josephine’s loved ones left to cherish her loving memories are: husband, Sammie L. Oliver; son, Sammie L. Oliver II; daughters, Lorie K. Jones, Stephanie S. Phillips, Kimberly S. Oliver, Audrey M. Oliver and Samantha N. Oliver; 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; sister, Darlene Harrell Walker (Bruce), of St. Petersburg, FL; brothers, Donald R. Harrell and Bobby L. Harrell (Angela), both of Largo, FL; aunts, Marry Harrell Bryant, of St. Petersburg, FL; seven sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The visitation was held at 20th Street Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL; from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, December 03, 2015. The funeral service was held at the church on Friday, December 04, 2015 at 11am, with burial to follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL. Beach Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.