Josiephine Stephens was born to the late Milton Stephens and Mattie Mae Roberson Stephens on March 27, 1935 in Harrison County, TX.  She spent her entire life in the Elysian Fields Community, until her passing on Dec 19, 2018.  Josiephine attended Oakhill School System very briefly, but most of her education came from the "School of Hard Knocks". She was baptized at an early age and was a lifetime member of Strickland Springs Baptist Church.

The "School of Hard Knocks" set the tone for the rest of her life.  She was guided by determination, hard work, self-reliance, a strong back bone and a steady grip, which led to an enduring discipline and "physical hard work".  Her operation style was a 100% (like it or not), attitude. 100% boldness is how she approached life.   She taught herself to drive and sew.  As time passed, with these self-taught skills she became very entrepreneurial. She marketed her sewing, quilting, and gardening to others.  Later in life, to her fortune, she met and married Thomas Fredrick Sims who faithfully and lovingly cherished and cared for her for 44 years.  "Sims", preceded her in death on February 7, 2018.  She adored her husband, who she loved to pamper with what he loved by making sure a pot was cooking on the stove and something sweet baking in the oven.   As hobbies, she loved gardening, canning fruits and vegetables from her garden, sewing/quilting, being able to drive herself to and from town for running errands, and wearing beautiful hats.

Josiephine led a strong and independent life until two diseases (Bi-polar Disorder and Alzheimer), severely attacked her brain which led to the affliction of her body, for the last 10 plus years of her life.  After her husband passed, Hearts Way Hospice was invited in to provide the best medical care needed.

Josiephine left a fond memory for her daughter in the recent weeks when Linda witnessed her Mom wake up praising and singing, "The LORD Has Been Good to Me",

Josiephine is preceded in death by sibling sisters; Willie Mae Stephens, Winnie Mae Stephens Banks, Obie Jean Stephens Giddings and sibling brothers; Albert James Stephens and Jeff Stephens.

Left behind to cherish these memories include one daughter, Linda Sue Stephens Jones Bultman of Sumter, South Carolina, one grandson Navy Lieutenant Chaplain Reginald Earl Jones, Jr (wife Whitney) great grands (Hadley and Sterling) of Norfolk, VA ; one granddaughter Josie Tucker Jones Aghaji (husband Tony) great grand (Kene) of Houston, TX; one sister Una Grace Pittman of Forney, TX; two brothers Milton Stephens and Hertice Stephens of Dallas, TX; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.