With profound sadness and heartfelt sympathy, we announce the passing of Mrs. Shirlene Josey, 62, of Americus, Georgia, who departed this life on June 9, 2026.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Shirlene Josey will be held Friday June 19th at 12 noon at Bethel Baptist Church in Vienna, GA. Interment in the Vienna City Cemetery.

A LIFE BEAUTIFULLY LIVED: Shirlene Smith Josey was born on July 14, 1963, in Vienna, Georgia, to Doris Ann Smith and Bud Smith. She was raised by her mother and grandmother in a close-knit family valuing education and faith.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS: She was educated in the Dooly County school system. She furthered her education at Georgia Southwestern College (University) in Criminal Justice. Her love for education began at an early age because she assisted others in completing their school assignments for years. She worked at the Tog Shop in Americus, Georgia. Her employment as a secretary at the Americus Police Department. It was her pleasure and joy in serving others.

LOVE WOVEN THROUGH LIFE: On September 8, 1990, she married Alvin Lynn Josey. She was a loving wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Ann Smith Respert; stepfather, Reverend Henry L. Respert; father, Bud Smith; grandmother, Odessa Clark West (Bigma); motherin-law, Lena Mae Josey; sister, Willene Jones; and daughter, Stephanie Mable.

A LEGACY OF LOVE: She joined the Bethel Baptist Church at an early age and embraced and lived the scripture John 13:34, “Love one another,” because she shared and helped others by sharing a smile, giving, and helping others. As part of her legacy and love for others, she wrote poems and other writings to inspire and uplift them, expressing love and joy.

HER LEGACY LIVES ON: Shirlene Smith Josey entered into rest on June 9, 2026, and she leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories with her husband, Alvin Josey; son, Sammie Mable, Jr.; daughters, Alicia Josey (Maurice Dunan) and Sonyona Josey (Jarvis Cross) of Americus, GA; stepchildren, Quiana Allen of Americus, GA, and Mecael McKinnley (Reginald) of Buena Vista, GA; godchild, Brandon Mable of South Carolina; grandchildren, Alquiana Terry, Dorianne Josey, Sa’Miya Smith, Siniya Josey, Charqavius Bonner, Avriona Avriett, Madyyson Johnson, Sammie Mable III, Jamier Cross, Joseph Bonner, Amierykal Bonner, Omarion Bonner, and Matthew Dunan; brother, Reverend Dr. Bobby G. West (Melvilla) of Unadilla, GA; sister-in-law, Amy Edge (Eddie) of Albany, GA; aunt, Betty Fluellen of Stonecrest, GA; nephews, Zacchaeus and Jeremiah of Unadilla, GA; and a host of other relatives and friends to include, Ruth Robertson, Debra Mable, and Sammie Mable, Sr., of Americus, GA.