Josephine North

Having lived life to the fullest, Miss Josephine North, age 91, has been promoted to heaven on August 30, 2014. She was born on June 28, 1923 in Nashville, Tennessee and was a member of the Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Watson and Mamie North; brother, Harold North; sisters Ruth Deane Gibson, and Mary Eunice Whitus; nephews Skip Storm and James Gibson. She is survived by her precious identical twin sister, Ernestine North, whom had been her constant companion every day of their lives. She also proudly claimed that she was a “second mother” to her niece Sheila Storm McElroy (Dwayne). Thus, she is also “second grandmother” to Magen Ellison (Chris) and Michael McElroy (Marissa); great grandchildren McKenna and Campbell Ellison; niece Nancy Deane Whitus Kurbat (Doug) and family; nephews Robert Whitus (Martha) and family; and Leroy Gibson (Carol) and grandnephew Scott. Also, survived by beloved longtime friend Ms. Jane Pingle of South Dakota. Along with her twin sister Ernestine, Josephine was a member of the 1940 Tennessee Volunteer women’s championship basketball team and received her cherished miniature basketball necklace. In WWII, she served her beloved country as a “Rosie Riveter,” and thereafter attended Watkins Business College for which she paid 25¢ for nine months of invaluable stenography training. She originally came to El Paso to care for family members but fell in love with the Franklin Mountains and remained until her passing. Her career began as a secretary at C.D. Lee Insurance Agency after which she served as the secretary for the officers of First State Bank and ultimately served as executive secretary to Mr. Luis Zork, president of Zork Hardware. After Mr. Zork’s passing, she continued with the company—faithfully serving for 26 years. Josephine’s passions in life were her family, finely crafted furniture and housewares, and the UTEP Men’s Basketball program, which was evident through her faithful attendance at games for 41 years. She and her sister traveled coast to coast to see the Miners play. She was honored to attend the induction of Coach Don Haskins into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. A viewing will be held on September 10, 2014 at 6-8 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 480 N. Resler. A private burial service will take place at Restlawn Cemetery, 4848 Alps Drive, followed by a public memorial celebrating her life, September 11, 2014 at 11 a. m. at Royal Estates of El Paso, 435 S. Mesa Hills Dr., with Senior Pastor Mike Woods of Coronado Baptist Church officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Gideon’s International. Our family would like to thank all of our extended family and friends who has given so much love to Josephine’s care and wellbeing. To all the staff and caretakers of Royal Estates the words “thank you” are inadequate to express our appreciation. God bless all of you.