Josephine Marie Caldwell

Josephine Marie Caldwell, affectionately known as Josie, left this world on April 25, 2025, at her home in St. Peters, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 19, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, Josie was a beacon of joy and warmth, whose presence illuminated the lives of all who knew her.

With a heart full of generosity and love, Josie was always the first to lend a helping hand or offer comfort to those around her. She possessed an extraordinary ability to find beauty in every person and situation, embodying the very essence of positivity. Her family and congregation knew her as a resilient spirit, who faced life's challenges with grace and an unyielding belief in the goodness of others. She was a devout Jehovah's Witness, who found great joy in reading the Bible and sharing her hope with others. Described as the sweetest girl her daddy ever knew, Josie cherished her family above all, finding joy in the smallest moments spent together.

Josie's love for life was evident in her many interests. She had a passion for garage sales and resale shopping, delighting in the thrill of finding a good deal. Family gatherings were a staple in her life, where laughter and love flowed freely. Those closest to her will forever remember the closeness she shared with her sister, where they would find hilarity in the simplest of things, laughing together for hours.

Her adventurous spirit shone brightly, once surprising her family by bravely ziplining in Mexico—an escapade that left them in awe of her sense of adventure. Josie's playful nature was further demonstrated when she attended a timeshare meeting solely for the promise of free amusement park tickets, skillfully stonewalling the salespeople until they relented in just fifteen minutes, handing her the tickets as she charmed them with her wit.

Josie's proudest accomplishments include her loving marriage of 56 years to her beloved husband, Loyd Caldwell, alongside the deep bonds she forged with her children, Melissa (David) Housman and Larry James Caldwell, and her granddaughter Rachel (Tim) Deland. These relationships were her greatest treasures, each moment spent with them further reinforcing the profound love she radiated in her everyday life.

She is survived by her cherished family: her husband Loyd, her children Melissa and Larry, her granddaughter Rachel, her siblings Gary (Terry Leap) Ayers, Steven (Nora) Ayers, and Karen (Gary) Friedeck, and her sister-in-law Sheila Ayers. Josie's legacy is also carried forward by the loving memory of her deceased parents, Cecil Wayne and Shirley Lorraine Ayers, and her brother Louis (Shelia) Ayers.

As we bid farewell to Josie, we remember a woman whose spirit was filled with love, laughter, and an enduring kindness that touched everyone around her. Her mark on this world will remain in the hearts of those she cherished, a beautiful soul whose light will continue to shine brightly in our memories.