Josephine Alvarado

Josephine Alvarado, 86, of Independence, MO passed away in peace on Tuesday, July 21, 2020. She was born March 19, 1934 to Placido and Manuela Duran, in Kansas City, KS. She returned to Mexico with her family when she was a child and was raised there. She received her Teacher’s Degree in Guanajuato, Mexico and taught there until she came back to the United States. Josephine would eventually work as a seamstress for over 30 years here, working at H.D. Lee, Phil Jacobs and other various companies in the Kansas City Garment District. She was admired for her attention to detail and her work ethic wherever she was employed.

Josephine married Fidel Alvarado in December of 1978. In 1985, they started Jesucristo Roca de la Eternidad Church in Independence, where both Josephine and Fidel would become Lay Pastors, until her illness limited her activities there. You would often find her involved with various Latino Missionary organizations, working with the Children’s Ministry at the church, leading Bible studies and doing missionary work in Mexico. She was deeply devoted to the Lord and loved her church.

She was also deeply devoted to her family. Although she was small in stature, she was the head of the household and raised 4 children on her own. She taught them to be themselves and she was their true genuine example of good moral direction. She worked hard and passed along the same work ethic to her family. She had a good heart, and was friendly and generous to all.

Josephine is preceded in death by her father Placido Duran; mother Manuela Duran Maldonado; step father Cipriano Maldonado; brother Ascencion (Johnnie) Duran; and sister Guadalupe Duran.

Survivors include her husband, Fidel Alvarado; children Frank Guzman, Jr. (Gloria), Bernardo Guzman, Guadalupe Guhl (Mark) and Roseanna Hill (Gerald); grandchildren Kathryn J. Guzman (fiancé Bryan Tilson), Abigail R. Carpenter (Mason), and Steffani M. Hill; great grandson Micha J. Guhl; brother Felix Duran (Helen); numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Jesucristo Roca de la Eternidad Church, 10300 Kentucky Rd, Independence, MO 64053.