Josephine Alice Mawhorter, 77, of Tokeland, Washington, passed away peacefully on Nov. 4, 2025, in Elma.

Born at home in Auburn, Washington, on Dec. 24, 1947, to Milford and Rebecca Emsley. On Nov. 12, 1965, she married her husband, Gary Mawhorter. Together they welcomed their only child, Gary Jr., in July 1966. The young family lived briefly in Puyallup before purchasing a home in Bonney Lake, where they made memories until 1978. That year they moved to Tokeland, a place Josephine came to love and where she and Gary have lived ever since.

Josephine poured her heart into her home and family. She delighted in opening her doors for holidays and gatherings, creating traditions filled with love, laughter, and lots of wonderful food.

Her pride in keeping a beautiful home — inside and out — was evident to everyone who visited. Her passion for her garden was unmatched. Every flower, plant and bush was always meticulously kept perfect.

Over the years Josephine wore many hats: devoted mother and homemaker, factory worker at Howard Manufacturing in Kent, Mary Kay representative, waitress at Chief Charlie’s and the historic Tokeland Hotel, deckhand on gillnetters and salmon trawlers, and, for more than thirty years, the friendly Avon lady serving the South Beach community.

Much joy, however, came through service to others. For over three decades Josephine was a pillar of South Beach Presbyterian Church, faithfully serving in nearly every role the congregation needed. She was also actively involved in civic life, including the Grayland Orthopedic Association and other local organizations that benefited from her generous spirit.

Josephine is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Gary Mawhorter; her son, Gary Mawhorter Jr., and daughter-in-law Judy; her granddaughter Jenna Heath and grandson-in-law Drew; and her younger brother, George Emsley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milford and Rebecca Emsley, and her siblings Jeanie, Wanda, Tom and Sylvia.

Josephine will be remembered as a woman who loved, served, and made everyone around her feel truly at home. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the community she helped serve.

Memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. It will be held at the South Beach Presbyterian Church in Grayland, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.