Josephine Raymond

IRON MOUNTAIN — Josephine Raymond, 91, of Iron Mountain, died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford.

She was born on Sept. 17, 1925, in Plain Dealing, La., the daughter of the late Elbert and Rachael (Reed) Anderson.

Josephine married Bernard Raymond on Dec. 23, 1944, in Iron Mountain. The couple enjoyed 68 wonderful years together until Bernie’s death on March 28, 2013.

She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church (Redemption Hill) where she was a Sunday School teacher for 28 years. She was also active in the church bus ministry, the church’s youth group, and the social committee. Josephine was also a member of the DAV Auxiliary, serving as sunshine chairman and chaplain, and on the Americanism committee.

Josephine enjoyed studying the history of the presidents, reading the Psalms, and poetry. Her favorite poem was “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer. She was also involved with many children’s charities. More than anything, sharing her love and kindness for others was always her mission in life. She accepted the responsibility of raising her brothers and sisters while a teenager.

Over her lifetime she touched hundreds of neighbors, friends, family, and even strangers. A kind word, a card of concern, a prayer, a thank you note, a phone call, this is what gave her the most joy of all.

She is survived by one son, David A. (Ronda) Raymond of Palm Coast, Fla., and one adopted son, Gary L. Raymond of Sagola; one brother, James (Rachael) Anderson of Pine Bluff, Ark.; three grandchildren, Amy (Christopher) Forrest, David B. (Lisa) Raymond, and Andrew (Caroline) Raymond; four great-grandchildren, Kyle (Amber) Raymond, Dean Raymond, Nathan Raymond, and Addison Raymond; and one great-great grandson, Calvin Raymond.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Eva Walker and Willie Stenfors; and two brothers, Jewel and John Anderson.

Private services will be held.

Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery.

Condolences to the family of Josephine Raymond may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon a& Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.