Josephine “Jo” Williams went to her heavenly home on Monday, December 9, 2019. Josephine fought a courageous, but short journey with pancreatic cancer. Josephine knew what was coming and fought, while all the time remembering the love of God.
Josephine was born in Auburn, NC on June 24, 1936 to Joseph and Swanora Williford. She is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Barefoot (Tony) of Benson and Terri Williams (Tim) of Raleigh and her five grandchildren; Yvonne Emory, Dana Emory, Blake Barefoot, Savanna Barefoot and Chris King. She is also survived by one great grandchild: Sawyer Hudson. She also lives behind first cousins who were like her brothers and sister. Johnny Jones, William Jones, Danny Jones and Dorothy Dupree and two aunts. She had a special place in her heart for Gretchen Sobha, who she referred to as her third daughter and was with her to the end. She was also very fond of Jerry Ellis, who she also referred to as an adopted son. Josephine was preceded in death by the love of her life; her husband, Cecil, her parents and brother, Thomas and her son, William Emory.
Josephine retired as a Teacher Assistant with Wake County Schools and dearly loved working with children. Her greatest attribute was being able to talk with anyone and was a good listener, letting them know she truly cared. She also loved to travel, especially weekend trips.
The family will receive friends at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home at 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC on Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be held at Westover United Methodist Church, 600 Caroline Avenue, Raleigh,NC at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 13, 2019. A reception will follow in Wesley Hall at Westover United Methodist Church. A private burial with family will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
In addition to flowers being accepted, memorial donations may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Pkwy, Cary, NC 27513 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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