Josephine Peebles Boatright passed away early Friday morning, July 3, 2020, surrounded by family at her home of 64 years. She was lovingly known as "Jo", "Josephine", "Darlin'", "Mama", "Mom" "Mimi", "Aunt Ninie", "Aunt Josephine", "Miss Jo", and "Miss Pete".

Josephine was born on May 31,1936 in Emanuel County to the late Dolphus Harmon Peebles and Macy Jane McNeely Peebles. Josephine wrote in her journal, "My family always lived on the farm. As one of six children, we shared everything from work to clothes, food and fun with each other, cousins and neighbors. There were always chores to be done, wood to be brought in, cotton to chop, tobacco to be gathered, vegetables to be prepared and clothes to be washed. We grumbled, but it was fun!"

On Christmas day, 1954, Josephine married the love of her life, James Earl "Pete" Boatright. Of course, Pete is quick to point out that he had to court her for 2 years before she agreed to marry him. Josephine loved everyone well, but she loved no one more deeply than "her Pete"! Their love story is simply beautiful and inspiring. Through all of life's trials and victories, they have held hands, trusted God's provision, and modeled for their children, grandchildren and friends what a love story of 65 years truly looks like.

Josephine was a faithful servant and follower of Jesus. She gave selflessly in her service to her family, her church and her community. Over the years, she worked beside her husband at Custom Furniture Co. as the secretary until she retired in 2003. She was a diligent home maker, a valuable helper, a nurturing mother that had the gift of hospitality and extended it to all. Josephine was a charter member of the Emanuel County Hospital Sunshine Ladies; a member of the First Baptist Church of Swainsboro where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the WMU; served on the State Board of the Ladies Auxiliary Club of the GA Home Furnishings Association; sponsored the DEA Cheerleading Squad; and a DEA room mother to all for 18 years. But above all else, being the true southern lady that she was, Josephine had a passion for shopping with her girls for shoes and pocketbooks.

Josephine would want you to embrace a scripture verse that she repeated daily, "Today is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Amen (Psalm 118:24) To that end, the family rejoices with her today.

Josephine is also preceded in death by her sisters Carolyn Lawson and Patricia Peacock. She is survived by her husband James Earl "Pete" Boatright of Swainsboro, GA; Daughters: Angie Williams (Joe) of Swainsboro, GA; Robin Merrill (Chad) of Atlanta, GA. Grandchildren: Meredith Michael (Jonathan) of Smyrna, GA; Mason Russell of Swainsboro, GA; Barrett Merrill (Samantha) of Birmingham, AL; Christian Merrill of Atlanta, GA. Brother: Harmon Peebles of Lyons, GA; Sisters: Peggy Henry Rowland (Roger) of Swainsboro, GA; Brenda Jones (Steve) of Adrian, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

The Boatright family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our special friends, Jan Moore and Priscilla Perkins; our caregivers that have served and loved our family well over the past 6 months: Eva Neil Brown, Victoria Canady, Willie Mae Deas, Betty Habersham, Corine Johnson, Vanessa Smith, and JoAnn Clark Williams. We are incredibly grateful to our hospice nurses from Community Hospice: Donna Bailey, Scott Beverley, Denise Iezzi, and Tara Jackson.

The family will receive friends at Tomlinson Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Saturday evening, July 4, 2020.

A private Celebration of Life and Graveside Services will be held at the Hawhammock Baptist Church Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 2:00 P.M., officiated by Rev. Louis Pearce.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Mason Daniel Russell, Charles Barrett Merrill IV, Christian Marsh Merrill & Jonathan Stewart Michael and nephews: Sammy Joe Peacock & Corbin Michael Williams.

Due to COVID-19, the family desires that everyone stay healthy and safe during our times together. We respectfully request that everyone wear a face covering, use hand sanitizer and socially distance. Know that we love you and we also know that you love us. Do not feel that you have to see us in person to show your love because a phone call or a simple note will be a true blessing.

If you would like to make a contribution in Josephine's memory, please donate to Bishop's Chapel.
Checks made payable to: Bishop's Chapel.
Mail to: Barbara Stokes
717 Ehlrich Farm Road
Swainsboro, GA 30401