Josie Mae Owens Burgess

Josie Mae (Owens) Burgess of Hoover, Alabama, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 30, 2025, at the age of 92. Josie’s entire life was about her faith, her family, and serving others.

 Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Bethel (C.B.) Owens and Mary Guinn Hendon Owens; her husband, Ernest M. Burgess; her beloved son-in-law, Gary Cody; and two sisters, Sara Morris and Charlie Guinn West.

 She is survived by her only daughter, Gina Cody; grandsons, Michael Cody (Maegan) and James Cody (Nicole); 5 great-grandchildren, Noah, Aldyn, Callan and Ridge Cody; and Madelyn Mae Cody; sisters, Joyce LaFoy and Nellie Henderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 Josie was born November 13, 1932 in Randolph County, Alabama to Charlie Bethel Owens and Mary Guinn Hendon Owens. Like so many in their community, her family was poor, and she grew up working in the fields and in the local yarn mill.

 Josie met the love of her life, Ernest Burgess, as a young teenager. They married in 1951. A marriage that would last for 70 years! Ernie joined the Army, and Josie lived with his parents and worked in the Wehadkee Yarn Mill while he was in Korea. When he returned home, they both worked in the Yarn Mill while Ernie continued his education at Southern Union State Community College. An opportunity came along, and Ernie jumped at the chance to get out of the mill, and he moved Josie and their daughter to South Florida where he began his career at Publix Supermarket.

 After settling in West Palm Beach, they joined Haverhill Baptist Church. A friend started a deaf ministry at the church and Josie became interested and learned sign language. She became an interpreter for the deaf and used her new skills wherever they were needed. She interpreted church services, taught Sunday School, and was a counselor for the deaf. She accompanied them to doctor and dental appointments, court appearances, and anywhere they needed an interpreter. She would help find jobs and then go to on-the-job training with them. She stood alongside ministers and interpreted marriage ceremonies. Her primary concern for the deaf was helping them with their spiritual needs and pointing them to Jesus. She was passionate about helping them to have a better understanding of the Christian life and how to be successful in their marriages, occupations, and life. Josie loved her deaf community, and they loved her. She was quite the advocate for them. She even wrote a letter in the late 70's to the founder of Publix Supermarket trying to obtain funding for a new Deaf Chapel.

 Josie and Ernie retired and returned to Alabama upon learning they were going to be first-time grandparents. And they were the best grandparents ever!! They settled in Bluff Park and bought a house two doors from their daughter and grandchildren. It was the greatest joy of their lives. They served their family, and they served their church and community well. Josie was well-known for her homemade coconut and chocolate meringue pies and earned the name of “pie lady.” Josie would bake them, and Ernie would deliver them to hundreds of people over the years.

 Josie and Ernie joined Church on the Bluff where they served faithfully for many years, Josie loved missions and served as the WMU director and held leadership roles for many years. She was deeply saddened when she could no longer attend and serve her church because of health. Josie loved the Lord and was a mighty prayer warrior. She wanted everyone to know her Savior, especially her family and friends.

 Many thanks to the staff and caregivers at Gentiva Hospice Care and Briar Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center where Josie lived the last 3 years of her life. She continued to be a sweet blessing to all who knew her. She even taught sign language to some of the staff. And a very SPECIAL THANKS to a very special caregiver, Moses Adeniyi, who became Josie’s best friend the final years of her life. When Moses was nearby, all was well with her world!

 A Celebration of Life will be held at Church on the Bluff, 2211 McGwier Drive, Hoover, AL on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Hwy. 119, Montevallo, Alabama with a private family graveside at 2:00 pm.

 In lieu of flowers and to honor Josie’s love for missions, memorial gifts may be sent in her name to Church on the Bluff for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering