Frances McNeely Josey

Mrs. Frances McNeely Josey, age 96, of Riddleville, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Washington County Extended Facility following an extended illness. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, June 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Riddleville Baptist Church, with burial in the Riddleville Cemetery. Reverends, Wade Dawson, Daniel Porter, Allen Wiggins and Larry Glover will officiate. Pallbearers will be Danny Snell, Charlie Lindsey, Jamie Lindsey, Jimmy Glover, and Richard Jackson. Mrs. Josey’s family will greet friends on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in May and Smith Funeral Home in Sandersville.

Mrs. Josey was born in her family home near Riddleville where she was raised. She attended school in Davisboro and Riddleville, where she excelled in Basketball. She married the love of her life, William Gordon Josey at the age of 17, a marriage that lasted 73 years. Most of her working career was in Louisville, beginning with Burns Manufacturing and retiring in clerical for Thermo King. Frances was a wonderful cook who loved cooking for family and friends. She enjoyed crafts and was a talented painter. She was an active member of Riddleville Baptist Church, where she participated in the church WMU. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. When younger, she and William loved to bowl. Mrs. Josey is predeceased by her husband William Sr., sons William G. Josey Jr., Jeffery Josey and Wyman Josey and siblings, Hattie Faye McNeely, Gary McNeely, Vernon McNeely, Verlon McNeely and Betty N. Miller.

Survivors include her daughter, Charlotte J. Hitchcock and her husband Ben of Tennille; daughter-in-law Carol H. Josey of Tennillle; grandchildren, Jennifer Josey Martin (Bill) of Myrtle Beach, SC., Amy Josey (Eric) of Seminole FL., and William H. Josey of Riddleville, Kristen Hitchcock of Decatur, and Kimberly H. Duncan (Jimmy) of Brunswick; great grandchildren, Clay, Cassie, Matthew, Erica, Nicole, Ava, Brayden and Dylan; and siblings, Brenda M. Hadden of Louisville and Janice M. Thompson and her husband Claude of Riddleville.

Donations may be made to the Riddleville Baptist Church.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.