Josephine Calhoun

Mrs. Josephine Smith Calhoun was born on January 23, 1930, to Willie and Aline Smith.  She entered the heavenly gates on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Atrium Medical Center at the ripe age of 94.

Josephine moved from Nashville, TN to Middletown, Oh at an early age with her parents and her 9 siblings.  She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Tried Stone Baptist Church, participating in several auxiliaries. 

Josephine, affectionately known as Grandma, Grandma Mom, Phine or “Jowsie”, was employed by Dr. and Mrs. Ted Martin Sr, DDS, where she was an Au pair for 25 years.  She enhanced the lives of their three children, Ted Jr., Jill and Molly, whom she loved dearly and remained in contact with until she departed from her earthly home.  Thereafter, becoming the cook at Middletown City Daycare, where she was able to do what she loved most, feed the children of the community.

Josephine was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, who loved her family dearly.  Any time in her presence, you could expect to hear wonderful stories of the memories of her life. She was our family’s biggest cheerleader and always ready to attend any event that one of us participated in. Also in her free time, she enjoyed playing Bingo while displaying pictures of her family across the table for good luck. She would also knit scarves, hats, and blankets for the family, in whatever colors we desired.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Aline Smith, her husband, John Calhoun Sr., her children, John Calhoun, Jr., Twana Smith, Bruce Calhoun and Tony Calhoun; two grandchildren; Nicole Calhoun and John Calhoun III; her sisters, Dean Calhoun, Rose Smith, Sigrid Rakestraw, Louise Smith, Gwendolyn Roberts, her brothers Willie “Bruh” Smith, Wallace Smith and Bucky Smith.

Josephine leaves, not to mourn but to celebrate her life; her daughters, Darlene Calhoun and Jennifer Southall; her son, Jerome (Thomasetta) Calhoun; her daughter-in-laws Sara Calhoun and Bernice Calhoun; 19 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, 33 great great grandchildren with 6 on the way.  Hence, our family saying, “We don’t die, we multiply!” Three very close cousins; Helen Fuller, Pete Trammell, Trina Chea; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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