Josephine "Josey" Miano

Josey was born on February 13, 1959, in Wild, Wonderful, Welch, West Virginia, to parents Francis “Che-Che” Miano and Violet Miano. She graduated from Gary High School in 1977 and attended Marshall University in Huntington, WV. She was so proud of her university and remained a Marshall football fan for her entire life. Go Herd! In 1980, Josey received her license in cosmetology and worked as a hair stylist for 44 years. While still living in West Virginia, she opened and operated her own hair salon, "Creations by Josey" until she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1987.

Josey was passionate about her career and became a National Educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems in 1992. In this role, she was able to travel throughout the country to teach and train young stylists in the industry. She practiced her lectures and presentations every morning while getting her daughter Bethany ready for school. Josey truly had a gift with hair and thrived in the beauty industry.

Josey was most proud of her role as mother to her daughter, Bethany, and wife to husband Drew Walden. Josey was thrilled when she became a grandmother to Violet and Juliana. She also was a proud dog mom to Freckles, Belle and Nola. She loved her family immensely and cherished any time spent with them.

Josey was a one-of-a-kind spirit who lived life on her own terms and to the fullest. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and family. Once you were in the circle, she had your back for life. She was immensely generous to those she loved most. She never met a stranger. She was never speechless. She was tough, fearless, thoughtful, tenacious, and strong.

Josey fiercely lived and fiercely loved.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd "Drew" Walden; daughter, Bethany Jackson LaPolla (Jay); granddaughters, Violet and Juliana LaPolla; brothers, Sammy (Kathy) Miano, Francis "Che Che Mike" (Katie) Miano, and Anthony Miano; sister, Frances Ann (Jim) Case; nephew, Vincenzo "Vince" Miano; nieces, Samantha Miano and Jamie Case Dorsey; special cousins, Bonita Miano, Donna Chinsolo, and Char Dubetz. Josey is predeceased by her parents Che Che and Violet Miano and special cousin, Rowena Harmon-Miano.

A visitation for Josey will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Josey’s name to an animal rescue organization.