CARRSVILLE — On the morning of Aug. 10, 2015, the fine soul of Josephine R. Carr peacefully and most assuredly passed into the heavenly realm to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Lovingly known to her family as “Ma Jo” or “Jojo”, this wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother succumbed to illness at age 83. 

Josephine was the daughter of an Italian immigrant, James M. Rucco, and Willie Mae Outland Rucco, a local to the Carrsville area. After her graduation from Carrsville High School, she married Charlie E. “Jack” Carr, her husband of 57 years. She and Jack raised five children together on the family farm where Josephine provided regular hot meals in addition to meeting all the challenges of daily farm life. Her family and faith were the focus of her life. She relished her children with pride and the hot meals soon earned her a reputation for being a phenomenally good cook. Mrs. Carr was a former Isle of Wight County school bus driver, a former employee of Peoples Drug Store, Rite Aid and Walmart.

There was never any question about where “Miss Jojo” stood on issues. Her directness and honesty were both surprising and amusing. She quickly disarmed people by just being herself, and before you knew it, she had you in an engaging conversation and laughing. In addition to her children, young people were drawn to her and felt comfortable talking to her about most any subject. But any conversation soon revealed her Christian beliefs, as she wore her faith on her shirtsleeve with pride, a faith that sustained her on many occasions. 

If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Josephine Carr, it is unlikely you have forgotten the encounter. The spunky wit and fun-loving character of this woman truly made her unique to be around. She will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered by her friends and family. She is survived by children Michael (Vicki), David (Sue), Don (Jackie), Mark and Debbie (Duane); her grandchildren Eric (Kim), Kristy (Adam), Thomas-Steele (Haley), Sarah Jo (Melinda), Jesse, Jamie and Bethany; her great-grandchildren Addison, Braydon, Hudson and Elijah; and her very close friend, Marvin Rhodes.

A graveside funeral will be held at Thursday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. at Colosse Baptist Church cemetery with the Rev. Tim Webb and Pastor Thomas-Steele Carr officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin. Memorial donations can be made to the Colosse Baptist Church Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.