Josephine Chavis, 90, of Shannon, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. She was born on June 3, 1936, in Robeson County, North Carolina, to the late Shelton and Anna Locklear. Josephine was a loving, hardworking, and deeply dedicated woman who put her family above everything. She worked tirelessly to provide for her family and made countless sacrifices to ensure her children never went without. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who gave her love freely and always went out of her way for the people she loved.

Josephine was strong-willed, outspoken, and never afraid to speak her mind. She was known for her sassy personality and for telling you exactly how she felt. If Josephine was mad, you knew it—but if she loved you, you knew that too. She had a big heart and a way of making sure the people around her were taken care of.

She enjoyed cooking, especially her famous chicken and pastry, shopping, talking on the phone, and sitting on the porch with her husband, Carlie. She started her mornings with her coffee and enjoyed watching Paula Deen. Above all, Josephine loved her family and her husband of 72 years. Their love was unconditional, filled with a lifetime of memories and a devotion that remained strong throughout their years together.

Josephine was truly one of a kind. She was strong, loving, hardworking, outspoken, and full of life. Her family will forever carry her love, her lessons, and her unforgettable personality in their hearts. Josephine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlie Chavis, with whom she shared 72 years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered around family, devotion, and lasting memories.

Through all of life’s seasons, they remained devoted to one another, sharing a bond that was strong, genuine, and unconditional. Carlie was the love of Josephine’s life, and the love they shared remained a beautiful part of her story until the end. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Shelton and Anna Locklear, and her siblings Maggie DeLong, Rebecca Locklear, Reba McMillian, Rose Anna Chavis, R.L. Locklear, and Shelton “Junior” Locklear.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Ricky (Tonya) Chavis, Beverly (David) Mullins, Maglene (Randy) Jones, Earl Chavis, Brenda (Micheal) Amegnaglo, Judy (Paul) Woodard, and Joseph (Judy) Chavis; her grandchildren, Ricky Jr., Taylor, Larry, Melissa, Michael, Eric, Marybeth, Carlie, and Cheyenne; and her great-grandchildren, Harlem, Micheal, Dakota, Justina, Jessica, Larry Jr., Chad, Alex, Dylan, Nicholas, Natasha, Jaden, Jionni, Ethan, and Emrie, along with many other beloved great-grandchildren.She is also survived by her siblings, Hazel Locklear, Jackson Locklear, Harvey Locklear, and Jimmy Locklear, along with extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

Josephine’s life was defined by her family, her strength, her sacrifices, and the love she gave so freely. Though she is no longer with us, the woman she was and the love she poured into her family will live on through every generation.