Josephine Charlotte Kelsey

On Friday, December 29, 2023, Josephine (Joey) Charlotte Kelsey went home to be with her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. She was born June 16, 1934, to Albert and Emma (Dolly) Russell in Akron, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Jean Harrison, Alice (Bill) Short; Brother, Glen; and Granddaughter, Gabbi Ravine.

Josephine is survived by her brothers, William (Karen) Russell of Michigan, Dewey Russell of Washington, and sister-in-law, Pauline (Polly) Wynne of Carrolton, Oh. Her children, Deborah (Rick) Ravine, Beth (Richard) Hunt, Jay (Brenda) Kelsey, and Charlotte Rowe. She had nine surviving grandchildren, Amber (Scott) Campbell, Erika (Eric) Hindel, Joshua (Rachel) Hunt, Tabitha (Joel) Porrini, Benjamin (Nicole) Hunt, Blaine (Marissa) Kelsey, Renae (Derek) Origlio, Alex (Taylor) Rowe, and Laura Kelsey. Josephine had 20 great grandchildren.

As Josephine got a little older, her family moved to New Franklin, Ohio, where she met the love of her life. In February 1953, Roy Kelsey returned from Korea and attended church with his mother, Edna. Seeing Joey in church, he decided he wanted to ask her out. She agreed and their first date was on Friday, February 13. After picking her up, and before they even pulled out of her drive, he asked her to marry him. After their date, she told him she wouldn't go out with him again because he was not a Christian. He persisted and asked if she would go out with him if he went to church with her. They did, and continued dating daily for six months, and every day, he would ask her to marry him. Finally, from her witnessing to him and taking him to church, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He became so interested in studying the Bible he forgot to ask her to marry him for a couple weeks. When he finally asked again, she said yes, and they were married on November 7th, 1953. Because of her love of Jesus Christ, his faith grew and together they decided that he would go into the ministry. Through their love of Christ, thousands of people all over the world accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Joey was a faithful supporter of Roy and his ministry, moving about from town to town, where the church's assignments took him. But that didn't stop her being a faithful servant of God and always witnessed everywhere she went. Many times, she would be at a store, restaurant, anywhere, (even in the hospital), and would ask the clerk, waitress, person standing next to her, and even the doctors and nurses, if they knew Jesus. She was always concerned for the eternal salvation of everyone she ran into. Because of her, there are many, many people that will be spending eternity in Heaven.

She was the best wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother to her family. She will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved her, but especially by her family. Because of her testimony we know we will be with her again.

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