Josephine Kelly's Obituary
Josephine Kelly, 82, of Columbia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Friendship Baptist Church at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM Thursday at the church.
Josephine Johnson Kelly was peacefully called home on February 1, 2023. Josephine was born to Arthur and Melinda (Cross) Johnson on March 2, 1940, in Stephens, Missouri. She attended Frederick Douglass School in Columbia, Missouri, graduating in 1957. Josephine was united in marriage to Owen Kelly, of Fulton, Missouri, they completed their family with daughters, Dorothy Kelly Preston and E. Lynn Kelly. She has one granddaughter, Lekel Lyons, and one great grandson Kane Thomas.
Josephine will always be remembered for being a joyful servant and serving with joy. She was the Class of 1957 Homecoming Queen at Douglass High School, then continued to lead by planning and organizing Columbia Reunion events for her class brothers and sisters.
Josephine began her professional career working at the University Hospital and Clinics, for 18 years, in 1972 she continued for the next 36 years working as the Lead EKG Technician, at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, retiring in 2008. In 1984 she received the Hands and Heart Award for her compassion and dedication to American Veterans.
From the 1990’s until present, Josephine continued helping in the community by volunteering for the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, and the American Heart Association. Josephine participated in a variety of activities including overnight relays and breast cancer awareness events. While serving these organizations she always showed dedication, compassion, and strength to everyone she met.
Serving God has been her greatest joy in life. Josephine was a devoted member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church since 1970. She was baptized under the leadership of Reverend Lewis Williams. She led the Usher Board Ministry, including serving 6 years on the Mt. Carmel District Usher Board. As a servant of God, she showed love and dedication to everyone.
In her spare time Josephine loved shopping; garage sales and auctions; listening to gospel music; doing word search puzzles; and talking on the phone to her friends and her sister. She always enjoyed spending time with her special friends Ceola Hill and Kathy Windmoeller. She was truly dedicated to granddaughter Lekel, and great grandson Kane.
Josephine is survived by her loving daughters, Dorothy (Steve) Preston and E. Lynn Kelly. Granddaughter, Lekel Lyons, and great grandson, Kane Thomas. A sister, Nora Johnson, and a sister-in-law, Jenny Johnson. She is preceded in death by both parents and siblings, Willie Johnson, Evalena Johnson, Artwell Johnson, and Maybelle Brown. Also, preceding is her beloved nephew, Don Lee Johnson, and her belated friends, Erma Officer and Sister Josephine Johnson. She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, which she dearly loved.
Josephine will always be remembered for her service to others and will truly be missed.
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