Josephine Ann Hooks, 81 of Kansas City, MO passed away November 24, 2020.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any troubles with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Life began for Josephine Ann Hooks, the third child of Jiles H. Hooks and Zephyr J. Demoss on September 12th, 1939 in Topeka Kansas. She was the only girl of five siblings, two older brothers and two younger brothers, which kept her protected on both sides. Raised by a stern, no nonsense mom, whose denomination was of the Methodist faith, Josephine began attending a Methodist church, and later by the move of the Holy Spirit accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Josephine, also known as Candy by some, embodied an inward strength. If she said she was going to do something, she did it. No matter the difficulty, Josephine would figure it out. In 1954 she married James (Jay) West, and from that union her oldest daughter was born. They would divorce and later in 1958, she married Charles E. Berry. Five children came from their union, and although the marriage dissolved, they remained friends.

Her faith in Christ enabled her to raise seven children as a single-mother—and although, she may not have done everything perfectly (those were her words) she did an incredible job! Like her mom she was strict, but all intended for our good. While raising her family when she was not working, Josephine loved to cook soulful dinners. On Sunday afternoons, the house would reap of the aromas that take you back to soul food cooking'. Josephine also enjoyed working in her home, beautifying it with her own hands and utilizing her self-taught skills. Only when necessary, did she seek outside help. She found gardening, playing the piano, reading and music, particularly jazz and blues, as segues into her very own oasis.

Josephine was a member of St. James United Methodist Church for over 25 years, after her children were grown, you could find her most Sundays sitting on the same pew in anticipation of hearing the choir sing and receiving the Sunday sermon. In her children's younger years, Josephine sent them to Sunday School and church at Spruce Saint Matthew's Baptist church at 55th and Brooklyn, in Kansas City, MO. Although raised in the Methodist faith, she explained later her children were sent to the Baptist church because the location was closer in walking distance. To put food on the table, Josephine was not able to attend church regularly from working long nights. Yet, she made sure her children were there.

Josephine's education began at RT Coles elementary school. She later attended Lincoln High School and Central High School. She went on to secure a Business Certificate at Penn Valley Community College and since, has been an advocate of life-long learning.

Josephine broke the male dominant industry as an Insurance agent for Universal Life Insurance, where she was employed from 1970-1974. Desiring more for her family, she later applied and tested for a position with the City of Kansas City, MO. She retired as a Code Enforcement Officer, in April of 2003.

She enjoyed watching all sports, in particular the Kansas City Chiefs. She maintained her love for food and visiting her favorite restaurants, in particular Gates and Son's Barbecue, with family and friends. Josephine died peacefully in her sleep, at St. Luke's Medical Center, on November 24th, 2020.

Josephine Ann Hooks was preceded in death by parents Jiles H. Hooks and Zephyr Demoss, three brothers, Dwight Hooks, Maurice Hooks and Lester Hooks, son Joe West, grandson William M. Francis and Cory Watson.

Josephine leaves to celebrate her life six children; Marilyn Rene Watson (Kansas City), Marsha Rochelle Aka-bashorun (Oklahoma City) Delano Maurice Berry (Angie) (California) Tina Pescatori-Berry (Las Vegas, Nevada) Rochinda Lee Pickens (Alan) Kansas City) Carlotta Ann Berry (Kansas City). One brother Wallace Hooks (Sharon) St. Louis Missouri. Twelve grandchildren and (3) great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of very dear friends.

A virtual service was held Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Services provided by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors.

The family would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation, the many expressions of love, concerns and kindness extended to them during this journey. Thank you, and May God bless you.