Milwaukee – Josiephine Smith, age 70, passed away at Froedtert Hospital on Friday, August 24, 2012. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 21, 1942, to the late Sanders Fisher and Lillie Bell Chattman. Her family moved to Racine in 1945. Josie attended Garfield Elementary, McKinley Junior High, and she graduated from Washington Park High School. Josie went on to study nursing at the Racine Technical Institute.
Josie was a dedicated nurse whose career spanned more than 40 years working in nursing homes and hospitals in the Racine, Kenosha, and the Milwaukee area. She had the distinction of being the first African-American nurse hired at Kenosha Memorial Hospital. Josie’s passion was bowling. She participated in numerous leagues, and enjoyed competing in tournaments all over the United States. She was a faithful member of New Omega Baptist Church.
Josie is survived by her children; Rosa (J.C.) Mangum of Racine, Evelyn Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, Lillie Smith of Racine, Shawn (Nina) Smith and Frieda Smith both of Milwaukee, sisters; Lula Smith and Marilyn Davis both of Racine, brothers; James Wright Jr. of Racine, Joseph Wright of Indianapolis, Indiana, Calvin (Annette) Wright of Sylmar, California, and Erwin Wright of Milwaukee; 19 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Josie is also survived by her surrogate mother, Aunt Velma Hardiman of Racine. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Josie’s Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, September 1, 2012 at Faith Christian Fellowship Church, 1200 Racine Street, Racine, Wisconsin. Visitation will commence at 11:30 a.m., and the Homegoing Services will commence at 1:00 p.m.
Josie’s family would like to extend many thanks to the staff at Froedtert Memorial Hospital – NICU Department, and to the staff at Willow Crest Care Center for their diligence, compassionate care, kindness, and support.
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