She was born May 3, 1931, in Dew Drop, Kentucky, one of seven children of the late Norman and Lula B. (Brown) Adkins. Josephine moved to Mansfield in 1950 and created a wonderful life filled with love. Her kindness knew no limits. She was friendly and never met a stranger, welcoming everyone and making each feel special. Josephine looked forward to her annual beach vacation with her daughter, Judy, and any other family members that were able to join. Her most favorite times were spent with her family creating memories that will last a lifetime. She will be cherished forever and fondly remembered as a doting and loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend with the kindest heart you could imagine. The memories of love, kindness, gratitude and selflessness expressed by Josephine are remarkable and invaluable comforts to those who knew her.
Josephine retired after several years of service from Mansfield MedCentral Hospital where she worked in the print shop and food service during her career. She was an incredible cook and enjoyed canning various fruits and vegetables to enjoy throughout the year. She had a knack for crochet and quilting. Those lucky enough to possess her creations will treasure the items she masterfully crafted. In her free time, Josephine enjoyed puzzles and playing Bingo.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Judy Carsey; five grandchildren, Jackie (Kenny) McCartney, Emma (Rick) Bartram, Brett (Sarah) Griffin, Jessica Wendling and Zac Wendling; a granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Carroll; sixteen great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren with two more on the way; and a daughter-in-law, Noralee Sloan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ray T. Sloan; children, Brenda Smollen, Sammy Sloan and Deborah Sloan; three grandchildren, Rich Carroll, Candie Smollen and Shelley Carroll; and six siblings, Geraldine Lawrence, Charlie Adkins, Tobi Adkins, Darrell Keith Adkins, Gladys Juanita Trent and Ann Bradford.
The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Randy Sutter will follow at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
