Josephine Belle (Minton) Whittington

Josephine Belle (Minton) Whittington passed peacefully from this earth on October 14, 2023.  She spent over 93 years and was ready to go home.  Jo was born in Enid, OK on May 10, 1930 & grew up happily on the farm south of Drummond, OK.  Her parents, Oscar & Marie Minton & big brother Harold lived & worked on the farm together.  Jo shared many fond memories of family time, driving the milk & wheat trucks starting at a young age, riding her pony, playing basketball, outings with friends and country community.

After high school graduation she started attending nursing school in Oklahoma City.  She was introduced to John and "let him catch" her.  They married in 1949, celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1999 and kept each other company until his passing.  Early marriage years she supported John's service years - He deployed over seas with Jo holding down the home front as their family grew.  She had a very busy life as wife, mother to 8 children, Grandma to 13 grandchildren & many great and great-great "grandkids."

Josephine became an LPN in 1974, continuing her career till retirement.  John attended seminary and became a United Methodist minister.  Josephine became a "preacher's wife" living in several Oklahoma towns. Playing card games, a mean game of dominoes, music, crocheting & reading were some of her past times.  She never tired of visiting with family and friends.  Chicken Littles from KFC, sparkly, glittery shoes, Pepsi, Butter Pecan or Butter Brickle ice cream from Braums- "which ever they have" and anything sweet was a joy!!  She loved a good laugh and could tell stories over and over ...and over! LOL!!  She had a keen sense of humor even to the end---"how are you feeling, Mother?"  Mom answers, "well, with my fingers"  "Mom, how did you sleep last night"?  Mom quickly states, "with my eyes shut"!!  In her latter years driving around, visiting towns she previously lived in, visiting family & friends grave sites and reminiscing.  She loved and trusted folks sometimes to a fault (Squirrel) but has experienced treasured relationships with family and true friends.

Josephine is preceded in death by her husband John Whittington, parents Oscar & Marie Minton, brother Harold Minton, eldest daughter Deborah Rummel and eldest son Kendall Whittington. 

She is survived by son Larry & wife Dee Whittington, son Jack Whittington & partner Kandi McDaniel, daughter Becky & husband Harold Noell, daughter Bertie & husband Steve Holliday, son Bobby & wife Delia Richter, son Wesley & wife Lara and nephew Wayne & wife Doris Minton.

The family thanks you who loved, cared and supported Mom throughout her years.  We know Mom is home - playing dominoes with a big bowl of Butter Pecan ice cream!!

Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, November 3, 2023 in Salem United Methodist Church with Pastor Anna Marie George officiating.  Arrangements are under the kind guidance of the Amy Stittsworth Funeral Service.

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