Josephine Grace Watson Dreher

She was the most beautiful baby we had ever seen—a tiny button nose, long dark eyelashes, and a full head of thick, beautiful hair. We named her Josephine, with every intention of calling her Josie. But she had other plans. Jojo was who she chose to be.

At only two years old, she already knew exactly who she was and expected everyone else to recognize it, too. She had an incredible sense of self—she knew what she liked, who she loved, and what she wanted. She was funny, smart, and cunning well beyond her years. If she was told no, she would simply find another way to maneuver her way toward the yes she wanted, which sometimes meant just running faster towards the things she should stay away from. Her sense of adventure knew no bounds. When challenged she would tell you “I not naughty just silly” and loved when others were being silly too. Wiping away kisses was one of her favorite silly moves, but she loved to give kisses on the nose, but always on her terms.

Spencer was her favorite person in the world. She renamed him “Bro-bro,” a name he tolerated for much longer than he probably wanted to. When she learned that his middle name was Robert, she decided she wanted the same middle name for herself. Everything he did, she wanted to do. Everything he loved, she loved, too. His friends became her friends whether they had a choice or not. She made herself part of the pack, and they welcomed her with open arms, always making an effort to make her laugh and giggle.

Jojo was incredibly proud of herself when she accomplished anything—whether it was going potty on the toilet, trying to eat food, or sleeping in her big-girl bed. And she made sure everyone celebrated her accomplishments properly. If she felt the applause wasn’t enough, she would call you out by name until you gave her the recognition she deserved.

She had a sense of humor and a wit far beyond her years, the little smirk and side eye let you know she was in on the joke, even if you weren’t. For quite sometime she made me (mom) talk like buzzlightyear, even in public or she wouldn’t acknowledge me, and of course I went along with it because it brought her joy.

She was strong and brave in ways no little girl should ever have had to be, yet she carried that strength with a spirit that made it seem almost effortless. She would raise her arm in the air and say “I’m a super hero!”

And our girl was not wrong. She took on every challenge in stride and never let the difficult things diminish her love for life or the people she adored. She brought joy, laughter, determination, and an unforgettable spirit, that this world is much the less for now having lost her.

She was the joy of our life, and we will miss her all of our remaining days— We love you Jojo, to infinity and beyond

A Memorial Service will be held at Miller Woodlawn Funeral Home, 5505 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA, on September 27, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.