Josephine Smith

SMITH, JOSEPHINE (SUMPTER) Josephine (Sumpter) Smith, 86, of Middletown, passed away on Sunday, December 1st at Middlesex Hospital. Born in Wilmington, NC, she was the daughter of the late Hall and Catherine Sumpter. Josephine was the wife of Leonard Smith. They had five daughters. Josephine lived in Portland and moved to Middletown in 2008. She worked for CAGM as a Social Service Worker for eighteen years retiring in 1987. Josephine enjoyed attending Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she was a lifelong member. While at Shiloh, Josephine was a member of the Senior Usher Board and sang with the Gospel and Senior Choirs. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, Linda Smith Wakefield. Josephine is survived by four daughters, Rev. Earlene (Eddie) Grant of Middletown, Kathryn Smith of West Hartford, Rosalyn Perry of Middletown and Laura M. (Tyrone) Gaston of Meriden; a brother, William H. Hollingsworth of Roxbury, NC; three sisters Hazel Wells and Helen Thomas both of NY and Louise Henry of MD; ten grandchildren: Eric and Erin Grant; Joslyn and Justin Wakefield; Derrick, Corey , Mackenzie, and Dorian Perry; Morgan and Jasmine Smith and four beloved great grandchildren: Anisa Wakefield, Destinie, Savannah Joy and Brookelyn Grant. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. Josephine especially enjoyed being with her family and talking on the phone with her cousin Gerri Williams and friend, Rena Keith. She looked forward to visits from her sister in law, Grace Larry. Josephine loved spending time with her circle of friends at Shiloh Manor and receiving baked cakes from Edna Raynor. The family thanks Dr. Emmanuel Kenta-Bibi for his genuine kindness and compassion toward our mother and family. We thank Nurse Kathie, Middlesex Hospital CCU for her giving spirit and graciousness. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 6th at 11:00am at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 346 Butternut Street, Middletown. Burial will follow in Trinity Cemetery in Portland. Friends may call on Friday morning from 10:00am to 11:00am at the church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown is handling the arrangement.