Josie Lee Henke

Smithville- Josie L. Henke, 94, died Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at Tishomingo Community Living Center. Born in Lamar County, Alabama on May 7, 1919, she was a daughter of Felix and Leona Hester Merchant. She married Floyd Whited and after his death, she later married Darvin Everett Henke on December 23, 1964.

She attended Gattman School, later working as a nurse for Dr. Murphy in Aberdeen, Victory Memorial Hospital in Illinois, and several other places. She was a member of Smithville United Methodist Church and a Past President of the AARP, Amory Chapter. A loving mother and grandmother, she enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, crocheting and watching Wheel of Fortune.

She is survived by her daughter, Frances Vandiver (Donald), Smithville; step-daughter, Laurel Anderson, Smithville; son, Dan Whited (Shirley), Iuka; grandchildren, Arnie Vandiver (Nancy), Fairhope, AL, Lani West (James), Smithville, Dee Caldwell, Smithville, Stephen Whited (Debbie), Elkhorn, WI, Bruce Whited (Melinda), Iuka, Deb Lorsung (Joe), Oak Grove, MN, Donna Noe (Jason), Brown Deer, WI, Patti Jorenby (Jeff) Madison, WI, Tim Bambrough, New York, NY, Ron Lee, Tulsa, OK, Eric Anderson (Charidy), Kewaunee, WI, Jen Gooch (Scott), Franklinton, NC, and David Bambrough (Amy), Plainsfield, Ill; 23 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and late husbands, she is preceded in death by a grandson, David Jo Vandiver, step daughter, Carol Bambrough, 3 sisters and 1 brother.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2pm Friday, April 4, 2014 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Coggins and Bro. Sammy Washburn officiating. Burial will follow in Young Memorial Garden. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be prior to the service on Friday from 12pm until 1:45pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.