Josephine Ernestine Watson Johnson, affectionately known as "Joe" and lovingly called "Grandma Joe" by her grandchildren, was born on May 21, 1945, at 6:55 a.m. in Baltimore, Maryland, to Ernest Leroy Watson Jr. and Myrtle Wilson Watson. Named after her father, she proudly carried the middle name Ernestine throughout her life.

Josephine spent her early childhood in Baltimore, Maryland, where she lived until the age of five. As the eldest of fifteen children, she naturally embraced the role of big sister, serving as a source of guidance, strength, and support for her brothers and sisters throughout her life.

In 1965, Josephine met the love of her life, Jesse Cullen Johnson. Their relationship grew into a lifelong partnership built on love, commitment, and devotion to family. Together they raised three children and shared more than four decades together until Jesse's passing in February 2011.

Buffalo, New York became the place Josephine proudly called home throughout her adult life. It was there that she raised her family, pursued her education, built her career, and established lasting friendships and community ties.

Believing strongly in education and service to others, Josephine attended Erie Community College and the University at Buffalo, where she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing. She went on to become a Registered Nurse and dedicated her professional life to caring for others at Sheehan Memorial Hospital, serving patients in the Emergency Room and on the Detoxification Unit. Her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on countless patients, families, and colleagues.

Josephine was a devoted mother to Michelle Johnson, Jesse Cullen Johnson Jr., and Jeremiah J. Johnson. Her greatest joy was her family, and she took tremendous pride in being "Grandma Joe" to her beloved grandchildren: Jessy Jene Johnson, Justice Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Michael J. Johnson, and Amya Johnson.

Outside of her professional career and family responsibilities, Josephine enjoyed reading and was an avid lover of books. She appreciated a wide variety of music and especially enjoyed listening to Al Green, Billie Holiday, and Snoop Doggy Dogg. Her diverse interests reflected her open-minded spirit, lifelong curiosity, and ability to connect with people across generations.

Josephine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse Cullen Johnson; her parents, Ernest Leroy Watson Jr. and Myrtle Wilson Watson; her brothers Charles Watson, Ernest Watson Jr., Nelson Watson, and John F. Watson; and her sister Darlene Watson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Michelle Johnson, Jesse Cullen Johnson Jr., and Jeremiah J. Johnson; her grandchildren, Jessy Jene Johnson, Justice Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Michael J. Johnson, and Amya Johnson; her sisters, Shirley Alston, Queenie Watson, Betty Watson, Ann Watson, Marie Watford, Theresa Watson, Denise Smackum, and Charmaine Watson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, former coworkers, and all those whose lives she touched throughout her years of service and compassion.

Josephine's life was defined by love, family, education, service, perseverance, and compassion. Whether caring for patients as a nurse, supporting her family as a mother and grandmother, enjoying a good book, or listening to her favorite music, she approached life with strength, dignity, wisdom, and grace.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the countless memories she leaves behind. Her love, wisdom, and example will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.