Josephine M Johnston

Mary Josephine “Jo” Johnston, 96, of Safford, Arizona died peacefully on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 in Safford. Jo was born on November 23, 1919 at the Pacific Hospital in Los Angeles, California to Roy C. McUmber and Ruby E. Brock McUmber. Jo had one loving younger sister, Helen. After graduating from Glendale High School, she married David “Dick” Westfield Johnston Jr. in Glendale, California on July 1st, 1937.

Jo and Dick lived in Glendale, California for a short time before they moved to Ripley, California to farm. They later moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Jo was a Sunday school teacher and worked at a children’s shelter. In 1975, Dick, Jo and their youngest son Bill moved to Franklin, Arizona to farm. Jo was a Sunday school teacher for many years in Duncan at the First Southern Baptist church. When they retired, they moved to Coolidge, Arizona to be near their son Stephen.

Grandma Jo, as many called her, was a beloved wife, mother of six children, and grandmother whose life was steered by her great love for her Lord and savior, Jesus. She was a deeply spiritual woman who loved Jesus with all her heart and loved people, exhibiting selfless care for anyone who crossed her path.

Josephine is survived by her children: David (Merle) of Gilbert, Linda Motter (Thurman) of Superior, Stephen of Coolidge, and Bill (Ruth) of Safford as well as 24 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren, her sister Helen Chambers of Phoenix, and her daughter-in-law, Paula Favazzo (Frank).

Josephine was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 67 years, her sons Daniel and Roy, two great grandchildren Jennifer and Charlie Eatherton, and one great-great grandson Josiah Halverson.

She led a beautiful life and was an example of love, peace and faith, often sharing her favorite scripture with whoever would listen: “Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by Him.” John 14:6

A burial service for Josephine will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, AZ on Friday, July 8th at 10 am and a Memorial Service honoring her life will be held at Desert Springs Community Fellowship, 425 E. 4th St., in Safford on Saturday, July 16th at 10 am. The service will be officiated by her son, Pastor Bill Johnston. All family and friends are welcome to come celebrate the life and legacy of this beautiful woman.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Haven of Safford and Dr. Susan Jones for the thoughtful and kind care as well as to Pastor MacDonald for holding worship services; grandma loved to sing hymns and attend services.