Josephine Simpson was born on December 28, 1921 in Black River, Saint Elizabeth Jamaica WI. She was the third youngest of 16 siblings, born to Julia Louise and Eustace Theodore Simpson. Josephine’s early years were spent in Jamaica attending school in Kingston and she immigrated to the United States, settling in New York in the 1940’s as a young woman in her early 20’s in search of career opportunities.
While living in NY, Josephine was introduced to Lorimer Ashton, a fellow Jamaican emigree from Hampstead, St. Mary who was then living in Harlem, NY, through a mutual friend. Following a short courtship, they were married in October 1953 and were inseparable for 50 years of devoted marriage until the passing of Lorimer. They established their lives together in Brooklyn, NY where they raised their two children, Robert and Diane, and retired together to Palm Bay, Florida where Josephine established herself in the local community of relatives and friends, many of whom were from Jamaica.
Josephine was predeceased by her husband, Lorimer Ashton in 2003. She is survived by her two children, Robert and Diane, her daughter-in-law Sherry, her youngest remaining sister, Rhema Cooper, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11 am at Christ United Methodist Church at 7795 Babcock Street SE Palm Bay, FL 32909
A Committal service will be held 12:30 pm at Fountainhead Memorial Park, 7303 Babcock Street SE Palm Bay, FL 32909.
Contributions in Josephine's memory can be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or Christ United Methodist Church of Palm Bay, FL.
To remotely join Josephine's service, please join the live feed on Facebook or YouTube. Please, copy and paste the link below into your browser to access the live streaming.
https://www.facebook.com/ChristUnitedMethodistChurchPalmBay
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSS4_LDokKutfBnaqy-FwBg
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Ashton family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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