Josie B Smith

Josie B Smith was born on June 17, 1932, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. She lost her father when she was a toddler and was lovingly raised by her mother and stepfather. She grew up surrounded by a large and close-knit family with eight siblings.

She married Jimmie Lee Smith, who was born on December 18, 1925, and passed away on May 25, 1981. Together they began their family in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where they welcomed their two sons, Jimmie and Charlie, who were born at home. The family later moved to Houston, Texas, where they had a son and daughter, Carroll and Debbie Louise.

She built a long and faithful career with Maxwell House Coffee, where she worked for 36 years. Even when scheduled for night shifts during the holidays, she would stay up to make sure her family had everything needed to celebrate and enjoy their time together.

She was known for her wonderful culinary talents, especially her renowned chicken and dumplings and jalapeño cornbread. She also had a creative spirit and loved art, particularly making hand-painted shirts. She created many for herself and made sure her family had them as well.

She is survived by her brother John Barlow, her three sons, Jimmie, Charlie and his wife Judy, Carroll and his wife Janet, and her daughter Debbie; her five grandchildren, Mark and his wife Stacy, Charlie and his wife Lori, Jaime, Joey and his wife Sarah, and Matt and his wife Carrie; and eleven great-grandchildren Shelby, Skyla, Hunter, Kinsley, Logan, Jett, Elisabeth, Gage, Makenzie, Brice, and Lance.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, talented artist, and excellent cook, whose presence, strength, and warmth will always be cherished.