Josephine “Jo” Elizabeth (Packwood) Paul, 30 year resident of Jonesville, FL, peacefully passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013 with family by her side. She was 94 years, 4 months, and 26 days of age. Always active, even well into her 90’s, she fell last year and broke her hip. The doctors were amazed at her strength and her spirits were high. She was determined to have a full recovery, but the fall took its toll and weakened her. Josephine never lost her sense of humor, her love for family, or her ability to make you feel special and comfortable.
Jo was born on her parents’ farm, the youngest of 4 children, in Gorin, MO. to Joseph F. Packwood and Opha Leota Mae (Johnson) Packwood on Good Friday, April 18, 1919. She grew up in the farming community of Wyaconda, MO where she was chosen Homecoming Queen in 1937. After graduating High School, she moved to Chicago, IL, where she worked as a manicurist and met her future husband of 68 years, Harold J. Paul. They were married on January 7, 1940. (Harold preceded her in death in 2008).
A full time wife and Mother, she helped in various family businesses, never too busy to lend a helping hand. Her home was always a peaceful and fun place to be, as she had her gentle hand in raising so many. She was an avid reader, a gifted quilter, and thoroughly enjoyed sewing and gardening. She will always be remembered for her tender heart, hand written letters, encouragement of her loved ones, and having the gift of hospitality.
She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Patricia (Paul) Crook and her husband James Crook, of Jonesville, FL. and 2 sons, Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Joy (Lambert) Paul of Temecula, CA, and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Anna (Ramos) Paul of Gainesville, FL. She was a loving and generous soul, an inspiration to her 3 children, 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She left a wonderful legacy and will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her name to any of the following Charities: Haven Hospice of Gainesville, The COPD Foundation, The Macular Degeneration Fund or the American Heart Association.
This was beautifully done, just like Jo herself. What an amazing life she lead! We appreciated knowing her personally, and through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Thank you so much for sending this to me. It is beautifully done. I will print it out and add it to an album that I am adding to that I have put together using members photos from my Mother’s family.,