Josephine Snead

JOSEPHINE’S JOURNEY Josephine Handy Snead, a resident of Stockton, Maryland, received her heavenly wings on Monday, June 27, 2022, after a long illness in home care, with her daughter. Affectionately known as Jo, Josie or Jo’Veen, she was the daughter of the late Sewell Handy and Victoria Townsend Handy of Horntown, VA. She was born February 13, 1938 and educated in the public schools of Accomack County, VA. Being a hard and dedicated worker, she sought work in local fields, oyster and tomato factories. Moving to Girdletree, MD and marrying her husband David, they soon relocated to Stockton, MD, where they became employed by the local poultry plant, P&L and/or Golden Pride. There they raised their family. Josephine also worked for a short while at Showell Poultry in Selbyville, DE before moving into food service at Central Kitchen in Newark, MD; afterwards transferring to the Pocomoke Middle school Cafeteria where she retired with over 25 years of service. In retirement, she became a caregiver for a short while for a local family. She was a faithful member of Coolspring United Methodist Church for over 45 years where she dedicated her life to God and served faithfully in many capacities, such as Communion Steward, Usher, PPRC, Senior Choir, Inspirational Choir and Finance Committee until her health failed. The Lord was her Light! She always found time to read the Word of God and have her daily devotionals and she loved praising and worshiping God. During her final days, you would often hear her singing and praising God with her family and caregivers. Josephine had an infectious smile that was warm and inviting and was always ready to pick or tease to get a laugh. And if you were special enough, she would give you a wack from her big Handy hands, threaten to beat you or give you a big hug from her strong, tall body. She loved people and was always there to support anyone, especially her church and her family. Her heart was always bursting to sing or hear good old gospel songs at church and especially with her sisters. And she couldn’t miss a family gathering, just to sit back with them and gossip. They were referred to by the family as “Those Sistas” and known to be “Thick as Thieves,” especially her sister “Addie”; they were inseparable. Also she has a special grandson (Rudy, her sidekick and chaperone) who would sometimes stay with her, take her to appointments and anything she asked him to do he would do it, especially during her last days. She would not go to sleep at night until he got home from work and stopped in her room to see how she was doing and if she needed anything. She also has a special great granddaughter whose namesake she carries (Korina-Rae Josephine) who with all that energy kept her spirits lifted with singing, dress up games and feet washing. She also loved cooking, cookbooks, cooking shows and shopping as well as watching the daily soaps. When she wasn’t on the phone, she was known to be on the road. Loving to be on the go, she often repeated what her late husband David would say, “Jo, you can ride the tires off a car!” During her 20 years of health issues, Josephine was a strong woman with great faith. No matter what obstacles she faced, she fought through them, often persevering. Even during her last days while in home care, she managed to take time to minister and encourage, while in pain herself, the ladies who cared for her. She was known to tell loved ones, “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be alright, God got me.” She leaves to cherish unforgettable memories: 2 daughters, Della (Alphonso) Roberts of New Castle, DE and Golinda (Rufus, Sr.) Johnson of Salisbury, MD; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Snead of Egg Harbor, NJ; stepchildren, David Shockley of Hagerstown, MD and Patricia Harmon of Wilmington, DE; 2 adopted daughters, Faith Gattis and Dlorah Wallace; 4 sisters, Emma Howard, Addie Dale, Virginia Davis and Elise Robinson; sister-in-law, Daisy Handy; 12 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; 1 adopted great grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 45 years, David H. Snead, mother-in- law, Evelyn Snead, 2 sons, David Lee and Andrew Snead, 2 sisters, Alice and Rosie and 7 brothers, Sewell, Beatrice (Beat), Herman, Carlton, Johnnie, George and Edward Lee. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family

Josephine Snead

February 13, 1938 - June 27, 2022