Josephine Williams

Josephine Williams, age 83, was born in Hawthorne, Florida, where her early life was shaped by southern roots, strong family ties, and a foundation of faith. As a teenager, she moved to Columbus, Ohio to live with her father—a transition that marked the beginning of a life filled with service, love, and spiritual purpose.

In Columbus, Josephine met the love of her life, Hinton Williams. Their union blossomed into 52 beautiful years together, including 48 years of devoted marriage. Together they built a legacy of faith, family, and adventure—raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and traveling across the country hand in hand.

Josephine was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her love spanned five generations, and her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Her life was a ministry. Josephine served faithfully in outreach and correctional ministries, including Sullivant Gardens Community Center, the Correctional Reception Center (CPC), the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW), and the Ohio State Reformatory (OSR). She was a committed member of several churches throughout her spiritual journey, including Bible-Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Power of God Deliverance Center, and Rhema Christian Center.

Josephine retired from Sears after many years of dedicated service and went on to serve as dietary manager of Southeast Christian Academy for a number of years.

Josephine found joy in the kitchen, where her love was stirred into every meal. Her cooking was more than a skill—it was a ministry of warmth. Her pound cakes were legendary, her lasagna unforgettable, and her banana pudding a sweet echo of home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ned Jenkins and Maybell Stokeling; her brothers, Oursman “Sonny” Jenkins and Rosevelt Stokeling; and her sister, Francis Cornelia Shellow.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Hinton Williams, and siblings: Macie Jones, Willie Stokeling (Francine), Augusta “Slim” Stokeling (Taryn), David Jenkins, and Ernest James Jenkins.

Josephine’s legacy continues through her children: Rosie Seals (John), Mary Lathon, Josephine Stewart, Vonetha Hall (Mark), Earnest Lathon, Marquetta Anderson, and Deberry Branch; and through a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who carry her spirit forward.

In her leisure, Josephine loved to fish, camp, and travel. She was a proud member of the Thousand Trails Travels, and she and Hinton explored scenic routes across Ohio, Wyoming, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey—choosing the long way just to savor the beauty of God’s creation.

Josephine’s life was a testimony of grace, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to God. She walked in faith, served with joy, and loved without limits. Her legacy lives on in every prayer whispered, every story shared, and every heart she touched. We rejoice in knowing she is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior, surrounded by everlasting peace.