Josephine Curry

Josephine Gwin Lynum Curry, also known as, “Bae Bae” passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 6, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 31, 1945 in Whatley, Alabama to the late Willie Bob and Savannah Gwin. She was preceded in death by her first husband Arthur Lee Lynum and siblings James and Willie Albert Gwin.

During her school years she was a bright student and stayed on the honor roll graduating from Wilson Hall High School in Grove Hill, AL in May 1964.

From Josie’s first union two daughters were born Pamala Denise and Marsha Marie Lynum. Shortly, after the birth of Pam they moved to Joliet, IL.  In, November of 1969, Arthur was killed in a car accident leaving her with one child and expecting another.

On, January 1, 1972 she married her devoted husband Percy Zelma Curry, Jr.  Over the next 47 years Josie and Percy, built a beautiful life together raising Pam and Marsha and making them into the wonderful young ladies they are today.

Her first job was at Uniroyal, then a few years later she was employed by Caterpillar Inc. where she stayed until she retired in 2005.  While being at home Josie began babysitting where she became known as the “baby whisperer”.  She whispered and took care of Kayla and Donavan Finch, Libby Shelton, and Jayden and Nyah McCallum as if they were her own grandchildren. She really had a way with children. She touched each one of their hearts and they touched hers too.

Josie gave her life over to God at a very young age joining Morning Star Baptist Church in Whatley, AL. She was the secretary of the Sunday School department as well as a Sunday school teacher. She never stopped serving God and continued to serve Him becoming a member of Shiloh Baptist Church for over 40+ years.  She served as president of the greeter’s ministry until her sudden illness.

Josie enjoyed life to its fullest. She loved vacationing with her family, fishing, bowling, gardening, canning vegetables from her garden, and going to the casino and bingo.  Although, she claimed to hate cooking you would always find her in the kitchen preparing her family a great meal and this woman could really cook!  Her past time favorite things were watching Young and the Restless, Windy City Live, Food Network, and game shows.

Josie’s caring spirit and loving ways drew people to her. She always brought joy to others and could engage in any conversation making you feel good. She loved being around her family and loved her grandkids with all her heart.

Josie leaves to cherish memories with her husband, Percy Zelma Curry, Jr; two daughters, Pam Dantzler and Marsha (Danny) Hunt; two grandchildren, Amber Hope and Tyler Alexander Dantzler all of Joliet, IL. Her brothers, Johnny (Julia) Gwin of Winder, GA, Ezzard Gwin of Whatley, AL, Levarita (Tracy) Gwin of Lawrenceville, GA and one sister, Geraldine Williams of Joliet, IL two brother-in-laws, Herbert Curry of Joliet, IL, Claude (Willette) Curry of Canton, MS; four sister-in-laws, Hannah Thomas of Whatley, AL, Juanita (Robert) Martin, Delores Betton all of Camden, MS, and Lovie Jean Curry of Plainfield, IL; and a special sister-in-law Dianna Gwin of Lockport, IL; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

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