Mrs. Josephine B. Yowpp was born to Mr. & Mrs. James Stevens on February 20, 1927 in Youngstown, Ohio. She was raised and mentored by her loving grandfather Deacon Ike Anthony who instilled within her great tenacity that fortified her character. Mrs. Yowpp departed this life on July 30, 2018 at St. Anne Mercy Medical Center.
Josephine professed her hope in Christ at an early age. In 1944, she married Columbus Yowpp, a native of Jacksonville, Florida and the couple settled in Toledo, Ohio. She later attended Davis College School of Business and studied Secretarial Science as well as Nursing.
She shared the same entrepreneurial spirit that motivated her husband Columbus “Jack” Yowpp. She was co-owner and Bookkeeper of Yowpp’s Auto & Body Shop, Manager of Yowpp’s New and Used Appliances, she managed the family’s rental properties, as well as other businesses owned by the family.
After retirement, Josephine continued to be very active by traveling the world and participating in local political groups and community committees. Josephine was one of the founding members and Sergeant of Arms of the Perry Burroughs Democratic Women’s Club, and a Precinct Committeeman for the Democratic Party. She is recognized by the U.S. Congressional Office of Marcy Kapture, Ohio State Senate Representative Edna Brown, Ohio State Representative Michael Ashford, Toledo City Council Representatives Larry Sykes (At-large), Tyron Riley District - 1, and Yvonne Harper District - 4. She was a member of the Democratic Business Professional Women’s Club. She served as Secretary of Esther Chapter #22 OES and Rose of Sharon Ct. #35, and sang with the Garland Spiritual Family Singers. She was a dedicated mother and at the same time, juggled raising a great-granddaughter and a great-great-grandson.
Affectionately known as “Mama Yowpp”, Josephine was always welcoming and a source of unconditional love to anyone who knew her. Advice, a hug, a laugh, a scolding or a combination of all, she would always provide comfort, strength and wisdom.
She was the widow of Columbus Yowpp & was also preceded in death by her grandfather and parents, sons: Christopher, Robert & Kenneth; grandsons: Kenneth (KB) Wallace, Dion, Kede Griffin, Chris Colbert, great granddaughters: DeAisa Wallace, Dimarianna and great grandson Dion.
Mrs. Yowpp is survived by sons; William, Albert (Donna), Adam (Minnie) and James; daughters, Verna, Joanna, Donna, Victoria, & Josephine Rene; 33 grandchildren; more than 70 great-grandchildren; over 50 great-great-grandchildren; special niece Delores Bates, cousins the Marshalls; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.