Josephine Hartwell

“More Than a Neighbor — Family”

Some people enter our lives as neighbors — but become family.

For over 50 years, you were so much more than the woman next door. You were like a mother to me. Your warmth, your steady presence, your wisdom, and your love shaped my life in ways I will always carry with me.

I will always admire your incredible strength. Raising four boys, for the most part on your own, took courage, resilience, sacrifice, and a love that never wavered. You showed what real strength looks like — not loud, but faithful and enduring.

Your four boys are like brothers to me, and through them — and through you — I was given the gift of family in every sense of the word.

The memories we shared — the laughter, the conversations, the everyday moments — will remain in my heart forever.

You will always be remembered.
You will always be loved.

With all my heart,

Geoffrey Arnold “Pete” Payton

My condolences to the Neal family and we are praying for you at this time. Your Mother/Grandmother is a special, beautiful, kind, and loving person. Please keep the lessons, the love, and the trainings she has bestowed upon you. You all come from this beautiful woman and this made a beautiful family. Stay tightly together forever. We love you,

Angelique, Ke’Mara, & Don

Thanking God for his mercy and praying for the O’Neal family. God will show you his love in unmistakable ways. Amen 🙏🏾

I was blessed to come into this world with a grandmother who believed in standing beside me through every hardship and every blessing. Some of my earliest memories are of her talking to me about life when I was too young to understand her words—but even then, I felt the love behind them. As I grew older, her lessons began to make sense, unfolding piece by piece like a gift she had prepared long before I knew how to receive it.

I wasn’t the oldest grandchild, but she had a way of making me feel like she was only my grandmother—mine in a special, unspoken way. Our bond grew into the kind of friendship people search their whole lives for. We had disagreements but I had her back, and she had mine.

We traveled everywhere together—by plane, by train, by car—and no matter where we went, our favorite ride was always the one that took us past ECHS our alma mater , where we’d proudly sing the school anthem, “Down the field the Gauchos come…” like it was our own private tradition.

After I got married, she and my husband found their own joy together, especially in cheering on basketball and football games. She knew her sports, and she loved every minute of talking about it. And when my son was born, she lit up every time he was near; she called him “Doctor.” He was always trying to help her—getting her cane, her walker, whatever she needed—because even as a little boy, he felt how special she was.

Caring for her as she grew older was one of the greatest blessings of my life. She let me and my cousins step in and “be the bosses,” though she never missed a chance to tease anyone who tried to help with her famous line: “Who lives at…? Who’s the boss?” That was her—sharp, funny, and full of personality until the very end.

I will always remember her laughter, her dancing, her little exercise routines, and the way her faith anchored her through everything. She was a woman of God and an extraordinary mother to her sons. I pray that I continue walking in faith and showing up for others the way she always showed up for me.
*The photo below is my final moment with her before God called her home”.

I loved your smile, our talks and your beautiful spirit was an inspiration. I wont forget you Auntie! Rest in Paradise!

To a wonderful mother-in-law, the only one I’ve ever had and will have this was a beautiful life with you. We have enjoyed so much together from years and years of laughter love form rolling eyes eating traveling just everything just so you many things you made easy. You are a beautiful woman that loved God, prayer warrior. I know you love the Lord and I know for myself that you knew how to pray I will miss you. You was a great person. May you rest in the arms of the Lord until we meet again? I love you, Jossie❤️

Your Washington family sends love, comfort, and condolences to all of you. You all are in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through this time of grief. May the beautiful memories of your mom, grandmother, and mother-in-law give you comfort. Ms. Josie's love and guidance will be with you always. She was always very kind and pleasant to me. She will be remembered with love.
Luv all of you.

I met Jospehine, at the Oakland Army Base. I became her Lead, in the Documentation Division. I cherishedJosephine's friendship. Josephine, was the kindest person you would ever meet. Josephine, was spiritual and knew the Bible and lived by it. Thank you for sharing her information. Vesta Lane, Newport News, VA

Heaven gained an angel 💕

I will always remember the love and kindness your Mom showed me each time I would visit California. My prayers are with you, keep the Faith and Jesus will hold you in His Loving Arms. Love Always Drevlynn

So sorry to hear of your passing my cousin, but rest well in the arms of the Lord. We love and miss you so much. I will forever keep you in my heart.

Mom I can never find the words to express the Love I have for you!
ONLY GOD ALMIGHTY LOVED YOU MORE THAN ME, YOUR OLDEST SON! You Are The Best Mom; You Truly Loved Your Family Unconditionally! ✌🏾❤️💯🥰 I’ll miss seeing you physically, but I won’t miss you at all; You are in My Heart, Where You Will Forever Be until GOD CALL ME HOME UNITING US TOGETHER FOREVER THIS TIME IN HIS KINGDOM! Glory Be To GOD! 🥰🥰🥰