Josephine E Smith

Josephine Emily Smith, was born Sunday, February 19, 1939 to the late William H. Price, Sr, and Mary E. Price in Baltimore, Maryland. Josephine transitioned from her earthly home on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:09 A.M. with her loving husband and daughter by her side. Josephine was the youngest girl of five children, Mildred, Shirley, Frank and William. Josephine, was a Daddy’s Girl. At a young age she loved music. Her parents enrolled her in piano lessons, where she excelled. She taught Sunday school and played piano for church. She giggled when telling a story about when her younger brother, William, BKA Buster, got her in trouble. He talked her into jazzing up church songs to play for the pastor’s visit. Her mother was so angry. She asked her why would she listen to Buster. Josephine attended Fountain Baptist Church. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. Josephine spent summers months in North Carolina on Aunt Laura’s farm, where there were many farm animals, including a spotted hog. She and Buster also spent time at their grandfather’s house. At mealtime, grandfather would say grace. By the time he finished, they had already finished eating. Josephine attended the Baltimore City Public School System. She was the First Black female to attend Eastern High School. She graduated in June 1957. There’s an article about her at the Maryland Historical Society. Josephine was married in 1958 to the late Jesse Rogers McCaskill, and from this union were two daughters, Gwendolyn and the late Leondrae. She worked two to three jobs to support her family. In October of 1965, she married, The Love of Her Life, John J. Smith, Sr. and from this union one son was born, John, Jr. She and John were married 60 years and were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling, going on cruises together and talking about the politics. Josephine worked many places during her career. Westinghouse, Johns Hopkins Hospital Pediatric Radiology, Department of Social Services, C&O B&O Railway/Chessie System, the American Association of Railroads and RAILINC. RAILINC moved to North Carolina. Josephine went with them. John Jr. went with her. Tayvon soon followed. She travelled for her job, going to railroad conventions. In a short time, she was promoted to director of Customer Support. She loved her job and loved living in North Carolina. She had to retire to take care of her mother. Josephine enjoyed walking from downtown to home, going to museums, musicals, dinner theatres and jazz shows. She was a fan of Patti LaBelle. She loved family outings. She was humorous and loved to laugh. She often laughed at those who fell asleep after Sunday dinner. She’d take pictures and threaten to put it on Facebook. Josephine loved her family, spending time talking to her son every day at 6:20 AM. They spent time together laughing, going on two-mile walks and talking the whole time. She also adored her bonus son, Richard, and his corny jokes. She was always saying, “Nobody better not mess with my Richard. That’s my Richard!” She also loved hanging out with the young people in the family and supporting them in every area if their lives. She considered all of them her bonus grandchildren. adored her grandsons. Kaleb, who she affectionately called her “Body Guard,” she admired how smart he was. Tayvon, was her “financial adviser.” She enjoyed talking about the stock market, houses, and interest rates. Josephine had a beautiful spirit, calm demeanor, and soft-spoken nature. Her kindness, and willingness to help and support others was evident. She always had time to listen and offered a story or two full of words of wisdom. She was affectionately known by many names—Aunt Em, Aunt Jo, Honey, Nana, Mumsy, Mom, and Punky—she held a special place in the hearts of her family and friends. Those who know her will never forget her nurturing spirit and unwavering love. Josephine was preceded in death by her daughter; Leondrae Elayne Cooper, two sisters and brothers-n-laws; Mildred Parham (Robert), Shirley Powell (Clarence), and two brothers, Frank Price, and William Price. Josephine’s family and friends will forever cherish her memory, and the love she shared throughout her life. To honor her memory: her loving and devoted husband, John Smith, Sr.; one daughter, Gwendolyn Simmons (Richard); one son, John Smith, Jr.; two grandchildren, Tayvon Smith and Kaleb Smith; two sisters-in-law, Lois Price and Jamelah Qadir; one brother-in-law, Lindsay Addison (Yvette); bonus sisters, Evelyn Wills, Earline Phipps, Pam Becker, Brenda Pinnick and Barbara Cooper, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.

Tributes

Josephine E Smith

February 19, 1939 - June 10, 2025