The Life and Legacy of Sis Jo

A Time to Be Born

According to God's divine will and purpose Josephine Smith Jackson was born to the union of the late Horace and Lorraine Smith on October 7, 1933 in Hanover County. She was educated in the Hanover County public school system and graduated from the Hanover County Training School.

A Time to Learn and Serve

After graduating from high school, Josephine moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she worked for the Philadelphia Public School system and later retired as a Crossing Guard.

A Time to Love

She married Oscar Jackson, Jr. on July 21, 1956. They were married for 43 years.

A Time to Live

Josephine enjoyed life and was lovingly called "Sis Jo" by family and friends. She loved music, dancing and having fun. She also enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, card games, especially Bid Whist, working crossword puzzles and staying up late watching the game show network on TV. She never would let you forget her hair appointments.

A Time to Reflect and Remember

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother, Earl Smith, Sr.; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Smith; nephew, Earl Smith, Jr. and aunts, Sara Smith, Georgia Piermann, and Edith Underwood.

Surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 18, 2024, Josephine transitioned peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father. Cherishing her memory are her nieces, Diane Smith-Drake (James) her devoted caregiver and Karen Tinsley (Reginald); nephew, Michael Smith; a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends among them devoted, Britney Dabney (caregiver), Rita Piermann, Delorise Cotman, Barbara McFadden and Sandy Washington, her longtime caregiver in Philadelphia. We thank God for her life and the inspiration she was to all of us.