Josephine Thomas Walters

Josephine Thomas was born on September 22nd, 1954, in St. Landry Parish located in Opelousas, Louisiana. She spent most of her early years with her grandmothers, Sarah Pinckney, and Alberta Stephens, in Louisiana. She honored and loved her grandmothers deeply and was proud of her Louisiana roots. 

In her early pre-teen years, Josephine moved to New York to reunite with her mother and father, Lee A. They settled in Brooklyn, where she was able to reunite with her little sisters Mary and Eldonna. Josephine was more than a proud older sister and maintained her role in looking after her younger sisters until the end. Josephine finished high school in Brooklyn, NY. This is where she met the love of her life, Willie E. Walters, at the sweet tender age of 17. They spent their early years together going to discos, visiting Coney Island, and attending family gatherings. 

Their love ignited like a flame in 1974, they got married on December 14th of the same year. She was a proud Walters and wore the name like a badge of honor. At the ripe ages of 20 and 22, Josephine and Willie navigated parenthood as young adults and worked to make a living and build their foundation of a loving home. Josephine and Willie were dedicated hard workers. They began creating a family and conceived 2 amazing sons. Her first-born, Charon, in 1974, and Willie Jr. in 1976. Her life’s work was to instill love, care, and protection in both her children. She excelled at motherhood and was the foundation of our family through and through. 

Josephine and Willie would often take road trips to Summerton, South Carolina, to spend time with a multitude of relatives. Willie and Charon would spend time with their Grandmothers, Lee A. Thomas and Louise Walters, and all their cousins. Unfortunately, tragedy hit this loving home, and Charon passed away in 1986. This left both Josephine, Willie Sr., and Willie Jr. devastated. While trying to live her new normal, she maintained her faith in God and the strength of love and family. Through her faith and unwavering love for her family, Josephine was able to persevere and continue to do things that she enjoyed. She enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings. Josephine would cook for her family, family friends, and her neighbors. 

In 1994, she became Auntie Phine to Nileja Stephens, and in the year 2000, she became the BEST Grandmother to Chayla Walters. Nileja and Chayla were like her own two daughters. She spoiled them with food, toys, love and affection. She was proud to be called Auntie and Grandma, not only just by them but by all of her nieces and nephews. In 2012 and 2013 she also had the joy to welcome 2 more beautiful grandchildren Amaya & Amar’e Walters. 

Josephine lived her life to the fullest and is the epitome of a phenomenal Black woman. She was generous, loving, authentic, and full of wisdom. She will forever be remembered for her faith, food, laughter, unconditional love for her family, and her unique unfiltered, “tell it like it is” personality. She loved deeply and unapologetically. She will continue to remain an important figure in our hearts for generations to come.

A funeral mass will be held at 12 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Noah Carter officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 am - 12 pm prior to the service. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.