Josie DeRight

She was born on June 9, 1938, in Marshall, North Carolina, to the late Horace and Kate Davis. Josie attended Marshall High School.

Josie married the love of her life, Russell, and together they raised two daughters. Being a mother was one of her greatest joys, and she was especially overjoyed to become a grandmother. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Josie had a quiet and calm presence that brought comfort to those around her. She loved sitting on the front porch in her rocking chair, enjoying the beauty of nature and the peace of simple moments. Though quiet by nature, her compassion and love for her family were deeply felt.

Josie was a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church in Denver, North Carolina, where she found community and spiritual comfort.

She will be remembered for her kind heart, her devotion to her family, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life.

In addition to her parents, Josie was predeceased by her husband, Russell L. DeRight; her daughter, Jane D. Ward; and her seven siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Scott) Dowdy of Hickory, North Carolina; son in law, William Ward of Cornelius, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Allison (Jordan) Kirby of Hudson, North Carolina, and Anne Ward of Cornelius, North Carolina; great grandchildren, Noah of Greenville, North Carolina, and Lilly, Devin, and McKinley of Hudson, North Carolina; and her sister, Joyce Wicker of Huntersville, North Carolina.

A visitation for Josie will be held at Hunter Acres Baptist Church, located at 4520 Heman Dr, Charlotte, NC, 28269, United States, on February 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 PM. Funeral Service will immediately follow. Josie will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Cemetery and Memorial Gardens, 1520 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28262, United States.