Josephine Balthrop

Josephine Balthrop, born February 14th, 1946, in Fannin, Mississippi to Walter R. McDonald and Nellie V. Outten McDonald, was their “Valentine” baby. Named after Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, whom her father had read about in his first set of encyclopedias, she was the seventh of eight children produced from this union. She was the youngest girl but soon became the "knee baby" following the birth of her younger brother. Her father affectionately nicknamed her his "Bumpy Gal" after her tendency to clumsily stumble into things.

Her mother, believing deeply in the value of education, taught Josephine the basics before she ever set foot in a classroom. As a result, Josephine grew into a smart, talkative, adventurous child; fiercely protective of those around her. She attended elementary and junior high schools in Rankin County alongside many of her cousins as part of their close-knit, rural African-American community. Faith and Christianity were an important part of her foundation and lineage, leading Josephine to accept Christ at an early age and worshipping with her family at Wesley Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church in Brandon, Mississippi.

In 1961 at the age of 15, Josephine's family relocated to sunny Los Angeles in search of better educational and financial opportunities. Leaving Mississippi was difficult - she remembered loved ones fearing they would never see each other again. Although challenging to start over, older siblings and other family members had already relocated to California and provided guidance and stability during the transition. As a Christ-centered unit, Josephine and her family soon found a new church home at Hays Tabernacle C.M.E. Church. There, Josephine sang in the choir and participated in numerous youth programs and activities. Years later, she would serve on the Hostess Board, greeting and welcoming visitors with the same warmth that she and her family received when they first joined the church decades earlier.

Josephine attended John C. Fremont High School where she made good friends, studied hard, and participated in non-traditional sports including fencing and badminton. She took to heart the school's motto to be a "Pathfinder" and charted a course all her own. After graduating in 1963, she attended Los Angeles City College. Upon completing her certificate program, she set her sights on working for Pacific Bell — even fudging details on the application, since telephone operators had to meet a minimum height requirement to work the switchboard. On the job, she connected callers across the nation, mastered area codes and picked up basic phrases in other languages. The experience helped spark a lifelong curiosity of other cultures and communities.

Josephine later began working for the Southern California Gas Company. While there, she met Myron H. Balthrop, and after a quick courtship the two married in 1976. Josephine had always known she wanted a daughter — someone taller than herself, named Crystal, beautiful, and with thick natural hair. In 1978, God granted her wish in every detail with the birth of their daughter, Crystal Jo’Nell Balthrop. Although Josephine and Myron’s marriage did not last forever, they shared the enduring responsibility and blessing of raising Crystal with love.

While still a young mother, Josephine faced a life-threatening health challenge. In that difficult season, she drew strength from her faith in God and the love and support of family and church community. A fighter at heart, she was determined to see her young daughter grow into adulthood.

Once again, God provided; Josephine recovered, continuing to work tirelessly to give Crystal a strong educational foundation while instilling in her a deep appreciation for her family roots. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood, nurturing Crystal with love, wisdom, and faith while encouraging her to embrace travel as a way to broaden her perspective and understanding of the world.

Josephine was an avid reader, subscribing to various magazines, Reader’s Digest, and often solved crossword and word-search puzzles in her spare time. She had a “saying” for nearly every occasion. “As we speak,” “Now that’s what I’m talking about,” “Dog my cat,” “You can cut my legs off and call me Shorty,” “It’s all good,” "Don't Take No Wooden Nickels" and “I’ll be Kitty Hank Schneider” were among her favorites — each one a small signature of her humor and personality. Music was another source of joy, and Marvin Gaye was her all-time favorite singer. “What’s Going On” and “Got to Give It Up” were forever on her playlist. His music brought her great happiness, and she was heartbroken when she learned that the shocking news of his death on April Fool’s Day was, sadly, no joke.

Josephine was forward-thinking, yet traditional, sophisticated, sometimes reserved, and fiercely independent. A beloved aunt, she offered her nieces and nephews acceptance, wisdom, guidance, and excellent counsel. She loved breaking bread at the “young folks’ table” during family gatherings and had a special way of befriending small children and babies. She lived life fully on her own terms — working, purchasing her own home, and savoring her freedom. She was a fly girl before fly girls existed, always fashionable to the nth degree. In her youth, she drove an orange Dodge Challenger and lived in an apartment on the famous Crenshaw Boulevard.

Josephine loved her siblings dearly, making it a point to nurture a close and genuine relationship with each, regardless of the distance between them. She treasured the lessons, memories, and experiences they shared and recognized their lasting influence on the woman she became. Family gatherings also held a special place in Josephine's heart, and she faithfully attended her RAWTOP and McDonald family reunions year after year. Without a doubt, Josephine wholeheartedly believed that her family included some of the very best people she knew, and she delighted in the generational love, connection, and legacy of her people.

Her love of family was matched by her love of travel. Josephine delighted in visiting relatives across the United States, while her wanderlust—paired with a healthy touch of fear of missing out—carried her even farther. She traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten, embarking on a couple of cruises despite her fear of water. She was equally drawn to places rich in culture and natural beauty. Yosemite National Park held a special place in her heart - she was in awe of God’s masterpiece, and she returned there often. She enjoyed John Muir Woods, Niagara Falls, botanical gardens, museums, concerts, and live theater. For Josephine, travel was more than simply seeing new places; it was a way to experience life, learn about the world, and create lasting memories. She loved collecting T-shirts from the places she visited, turning her travels into a wearable collection of memories, and was especially fond of shirts featuring an inspirational message or a funny quote; anything that could offer a little encouragement or bring a smile.

Over the years, Josephine persevered and fought various illnesses. They may have slowed her down, but they never stopped her from living life to the fullest. She faced every medical procedure with optimism, trusting that whatever the outcome, God's will would be done. When the Heavenly Father called for her on Sunday, August 9, 2026, Josephine answered — and received her complete healing. She fought the good fight and found peace safely home in Heaven at last. Her life was full, her faith was steadfast, and her love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Josephine leaves to lovingly cherish her memory her beloved and only daughter, Crystal Jo’Nell Balthrop; her brother, Walter McDonald of Pearl, Mississippi; her sister, Almeter Carroll of Los Angeles, California; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, close cousins, extended family members, and a medley of wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Bettie Mae Hobson, Sylvia Hildreth, Doris V. Bragg, Manuel McDonald, Lemuel H. McDonald, and Vernon McDonald.

For the Services, you are invited to attend in person, or you can Zoom the service using this link:

Topic: Memorial Celebration Josephine Balthrop

Time: August 21, 2026 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Please note: this is a “streaming” event only; it does not allow participation

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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81923178260?pwd=0nwpG8J4KXfcjXrpY7NPvubavSvPf9.1

Meeting ID: 819 2317 8260

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