Josephine (Lawson) Stokes Josephine "Josie" Stokes, 72, Springfield, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2010 with her family by her side. Josephine was born November 10, 1937 in Thornfield, Missouri to Milum and Inza Lawson. Josie taught all of us a lesson in strength, faith, and love during her long illness. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, two brothers, Ted and Junior Lawson, and two sisters, Francis and Irene Lawson. Survivors include her husband, Eugene Stokes; a son, Michael Stokes and wife, Andria, Kansas City, Kansas; a daughter, Debra Andrews and husband, Doug, Marshfield, Missouri; a sister, Mae Epps, Ava; five grandchildren, Janay, Clifton and Peyton Andrews, and Melissa and Megan Stokes; three step-grandchildren, Don, Jacob and Hannah. She was a member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church. She was employed by Zenith Electric Corp. and Dillard's Department Stores before retiring in 1999. Josie was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She loved all her friends and her toy poodles. Josie liked being outside and she liked to stop and smell the flowers. Josie had a beautiful smile and was very easy to be around, she will be remembered by her loved ones as a kind and loving person. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2010 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2010 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 West Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.