Josephine K. Calhoun, 68, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Wednesday, Aug. 7 and was a life-long resident of Cherokee.
Josephine was a basket maker and a member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts Co-op of Cherokee. She was a fluent speaker of the Cherokee language. She had been a housekeeper for many years and made numerous friends in the process. She had a love of fishing, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Josephine is survived by her daughters, Ronda Ledford, Myra Calhoun (Stanley), and Jessica Calhoun all of Cherokee; sisters, Nannie Calhoun and Geneva Watty of Cherokee; brother, Charlie Kalonaheskie of Cherokee; aunt, Nellie Taylor of Cherokee; several nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Josephine also had two special friends, Miss Mary Glean Littledave and Jimmy Cavinas.
Josephine is preceded in death by her parents, Styles Kalonaheskie Sr. and Susie Armachain Kalonaheskie; and four brothers, James Kalonaheskie, Styles Kalonaheskie Jr., Jonah Kalonaheskie, and Thomas Driver.
Josephine will be taken to Macedonia Church on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 5 p.m. where the family will receive friends till 10:30 p.m. A funeral service will follow on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 2 p.m. at Macedonia Church with Pastor Dan Conseen officiating. A burial will follow the funeral in the Wolfe Cemetery in the Big Cove Community. Pall Bearers will be Josephine’s grandsons, Noah Ledford III, Tarette Calhoun; nephews, Derk Watty, Jayce Watty, Kevin Swimmer, Damion Kalonaheskie, Jarette Calhoun; and family friends, Stanley Mahan and Cory Hill.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the family in the arrangements of services.