Obituary for Josephine Turner Gist
Josephine Turner Gist
Josephine Turner Gist was born on October 29, 1941 as the youngest of eight born to the late Calvin and Josephine Turner in Graham, North Carolina. Josephine “Joe” was called by God from labor to a peaceful rest on Friday, March 17, 2023.
In 1952, the Turner family moved to Washington, DC and was educated in DC Public Schools graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. She furthered her education by attending secretarial school. In 1965, she married the late Charles Gist, the marriage ended in divorce.
Over the years, wherever God led her to worship Him as a member, whether at Friendship Baptist, Second Baptist, St. Phillips Baptist, and Jericho Ministries. Josephine served faithfully in a number of capacities, which included teaching Sunday School to children and adults, and as a Trustee. For the last twenty years, Josephine was a member of National Community Church. At National Community Church, she was the face of the Hospitality ministry. She faithfully served in that capacity because she loved people and making them feel special.
Josephine worked at Riggs Bank and was one of the first black person to work there. In 1970, she began working at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as contract specialist and retired in 1998. After retiring, she volunteered at DC Public Schools helping students and staff. Also, she volunteered at Suited for Change, where she worked one on one with clients ensuring that everyone leaves with an impeccable work wardrobe, but also providing a personal and warm atmosphere at the boutique.
Josephine was joyful, outgoing and loved meeting new people. She loved shopping, traveling on cruise ships to the Islands and the Mediterranean. She loved baking and would make chocolate chip cookies for Christmas to give family and friends. For our family meals, she made banana pudding with Chessman cookies! She enjoyed listening to country music. Josephine did crafts- sewing, crocheting, and enjoyed creating art through coloring.
Josephine was a strong faithful servant of the Most High God, standing firm on His promise that He would never leave her or forsake her. God granted her the wisdom and knowledge to understand the recent health challenges she was forced to endure. However, when she took her last breath, God was right by her side to help her make her peaceful transition from earth to glory.
Her fond memories will always be cherished by her brothers, John (Maybelle) and Winfred Sr. Although, Aunt Jo did not have children she had a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as well as other relatives and friends.
Josephine Turner Gist was born on October 29, 1941 as the youngest of eight born to the late Calvin and Josephine Turner in Graham, North Carolina. Josephine “Joe” was called by God from labor to a peaceful rest on Friday, March 17, 2023.
In 1952, the Turner family moved to Washington, DC and was educated in DC Public Schools graduating from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School. She furthered her education by attending secretarial school. In 1965, she married the late Charles Gist, the marriage ended in divorce.
Over the years, wherever God led her to worship Him as a member, whether at Friendship Baptist, Second Baptist, St. Phillips Baptist, and Jericho Ministries. Josephine served faithfully in a number of capacities, which included teaching Sunday School to children and adults, and as a Trustee. For the last twenty years, Josephine was a member of National Community Church. At National Community Church, she was the face of the Hospitality ministry. She faithfully served in that capacity because she loved people and making them feel special.
Josephine worked at Riggs Bank and was one of the first black person to work there. In 1970, she began working at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters as contract specialist and retired in 1998. After retiring, she volunteered at DC Public Schools helping students and staff. Also, she volunteered at Suited for Change, where she worked one on one with clients ensuring that everyone leaves with an impeccable work wardrobe, but also providing a personal and warm atmosphere at the boutique.
Josephine was joyful, outgoing and loved meeting new people. She loved shopping, traveling on cruise ships to the Islands and the Mediterranean. She loved baking and would make chocolate chip cookies for Christmas to give family and friends. For our family meals, she made banana pudding with Chessman cookies! She enjoyed listening to country music. Josephine did crafts- sewing, crocheting, and enjoyed creating art through coloring.
Josephine was a strong faithful servant of the Most High God, standing firm on His promise that He would never leave her or forsake her. God granted her the wisdom and knowledge to understand the recent health challenges she was forced to endure. However, when she took her last breath, God was right by her side to help her make her peaceful transition from earth to glory.
Her fond memories will always be cherished by her brothers, John (Maybelle) and Winfred Sr. Although, Aunt Jo did not have children she had a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly as well as other relatives and friends.