Josephine was born in Albany Georgia to Charlee Lou Hollins. In hopes for a good life for her daughter, Josephine's mother found a loving couple to adopt her.

Joseph W. and Esther Holley had no children of their own and desired a little girl. "J.W." and Esther were both educators. Esther Holley taught school in Albany and, for J.W., education was a passion. He was intent on furthering education for African American young people in Albany and made that passion his life wok. He founded Albany College, which has since grown into Albany State University, a historically Black University.

Josephine had fond memories of her childhood in Albany, living on the campus of the college. She often shared those memories the many times she spoke at the University's annual Founder's Day celebration.

Esther Holley was originally from Lansing Michigan and felt Josephine's schooling would be stronger if the two of them returned to Lansing. After several years in Lansing, Esther and Josephine moved to Philadelphia, where Josephine graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She attended and received her BS Degree in Education from Shippensburg State College.

Josephine met her future husband, Josephine Jefferson, one summer break at home from college. Both were smitten and they married in April of 1952. Joe Jefferson was the youngest son of a large family who quickly embraced Josephine.

Jo and Joe had a great life together. They both taught elementary school – in schools close to each other. Josephine taught 1st and 2nd grade at the Pratt-Arnold Elementary School in Philadelphia for 40 years, until her retirement in 1992.

Jo and her husband Joe had a large circle of friends and were socially active. Family gatherings were frequent. Both worked and received advanced degrees. Josephine earned a M.Ed. from Villanova University in the late 1960s.

Vacations with family and friends in Sag Harbor, Long Island were a summer tradition from very early in their marriage. In the late 1960's they built a small summer home in Sag Harbor, which became a summer gathering place until Joe's death in 1981.

Jo and Joe built their "dream home" on Allens Lane in the early 70's. Josephine spent the rest of her life and final hours in that house, which she loved.

Jo and Joe loved children but had none of their own. However, Jo had numerous Godchildren, nieces, and nephews with whom she generously shared her love.

Joseph's sudden death in 1981 dealt a deep blow to Josephine. As a young widow, she continued to work, found her footing, and moved forward with strength.

Jo continued to be a beloved member of the extended Jefferson family - with a seat at the table at holiday dinners, birthdays, and many celebrations – and with a voice in all family affairs.

A few years following Joe's death, Josephine reached out to a family friend, a widower, Elliot Jacoby. She and Elliot became companions. Jo and Elliot traveled frequently, including a trip to China. Elliot was also frequently included at Jefferson family functions.

Josephine's biological sister, Corrine Morris, never forgot Jo. Corrine reached out to Jo and included her in family gatherings in Albany; Jo became fully a part of the Morris family as well.

Josephine had a rich life, full of family and friends, and adventure. She was fiercely independent and handled her home, her finances, and her life with precision until the last few months before her death.

Jo passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, November 14, 2025.

Jo will be sorely missed by her family, her sister, and her sister's children and grandchildren, and by all her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren and by a host of friends.