Mrs. Josephine "Josie" (House) Blackshear

UTICA - Mrs. Josephine “Josie” (House) Blackshear, age 76, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 with her family surrounding her with attentiveness and love. Born in Belle Glade, FL on August 7, 1947, Josephine was the daughter of the late Walter and Alma (Boles) House. The family moved to Westmoreland during her childhood to be closer to loved ones who had settled here. She attended Westmoreland Central School, Potter Elementary, Kernan Elementary, and Utica Free Academy. She proudly earned her GED and later graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing as an LPN. The nursing profession was well suited for her because she had the calling for this ministry and she served her patients with compassion and great care. The father of Josie’s eldest child Nicole R. Dorsey is Earl Richard, Jr., and their bond was their beloved daughter. Her heart belonged to her husband, Robert L. Blackshear, Sr., and they made a home in 1971 and were married in 1978. They admired and stood by each other because of their love. They watched over each other as the years passed, and they became so sensitive to each other's needs. Robert was by Josie’s side until her last moments and will honor her memory forever. Josie began her nursing career at Hunter House, then worked in the Pediatric Ward and later the Psychiatric Department at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. She was old school in the way of her profession. She held high regard for Sister Rose Vincent and Sister Johanna of the Sisters of St. Francis. She loved that institution and when she retired she parted with many rewarding memories and friendships. Josie also found the energy and compassionate heart to provide private duty nursing to many, inclusive of families who were part of her “St. Elizabeth family.” She gave gentle and respectful care. The Rescue Mission was her last calling where she saw their needs and once again made the commitment to help others as a member of the Crisis Management Team. Josie was one of the best. She was mature, genuine, gentle, knew compassion, and spoke peace. She was wise and often sought out for her counsel. She gave love unconditionally, was non-judgmental, and was a light in the darkness for so many. She learned these core values from her parents, who loved her husband as their own son. She also was a tender combination of a good mom who loved and adored her children but also gave a “soothing talk” when needed, mainly to her son! She had a contagious laugh, and it was evidence of her true happiness. Her laughter was often prompted by her daughter, the “good child.” She put her heart and soul into all her endeavors and maintained her home well. The Home Shopping Network was a source of entertainment for her and she was very generous with what she purchased, even when her husband found an extra box or two laying about. Through the House of the Good Shepherd, Josie and Robert were blessed to become foster parents. They treated each child as their own and they only had boys. It worked out well, and they taught them respect and a sense of love and order. Josie enjoyed playing Candy Crush, watching New York Yankees games with her husband, studying history, speaking of the past, and much of her knowledge came from reading. The Turner Classic Movie channel could often be found on her TV, but "A Christmas Story" remained her all-time favorite along with I Love Lucy and The Golden Girls. Josie was politically astute and wise in her conversations, much of which she stood upon came from the respectful news channels that she followed. She cherished holidays with her grandchildren, who were their Nana’s greatest joy and the source of her boundless energy. She was their salvation in times of trouble and held a close bond with each of them. She loved the entire tribe. She gave her all to those kids and they loved her back so much. There’s nothing like being a grandmother, and you could see the pride in her eyes. Josie’s greatest accomplishments in life were having become a caregiver, raising her children, and knowing who they became as adults. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a huge bonus. Her life was filled with great moments. Her mother taught her the presence of the Lord and she lived the life He chose for her. Josie journeyed life with her best friend and husband, Robert. She had such a special bond with her daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Jody Dorsey, and she adored her son and his love, Robert L. Blackshear, Jr. and Karen Swisloski. She was preceded by her husband’s son, Andre Ward Blackshear in 2014. She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved grandchildren, Jasmine, Kayla and her husband Nokio, twins Brian (Holly), and Brandon; Elexus, Alexandra and her fiancé, Milton, Evan, and Breyonna; and her great-grandchildren, Marquavis, Prince, Brian, Jr., Quell, Kayden, Kayson, Kaylynn, Jániah, Kingsley, Ja’Mere, and Lei’Onna. She treasured the memory of her great-granddaughter, Arionna Nicole Richard, who became an angel on November 9, 2018. Also mourning her passing are her siblings, Charlene Miller and Ed, Willie and Dolores House, James “Henry” and Earlene House, and Emmanuel House and Chanda. She was preceded by her brother, Walter “Jr.” House. She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, especially Evon Green; and aunts, Annie Clyde Watson, and Thelma Ellis. Because of Josie’s outgoing personality, she made friends that lasted a lifetime, some of them came from her professional life and some from every day life, Rosalind Harris, Mary Ann Marshall and Stephen, Dr. Fred Talarico, Pat Rosati, NP, Sandra Linen, Annabelle Dorsey, and Pat McQuigin, her best friend who preceded her. She also leaves her in-laws, Thelma Porter, Bernice and Theodore Brown, Walter and Faith Blackshear, Mary Blackshear and Steve, Edward Blackshear, and Julius and Kathie Blackshear. She was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Willie “Bill,” Sr. and Bernice (Martin) Blackshear; sisters-in-law, Mildred “Sister” Blackshear, and Louise Blackshear; and brothers-in-law, Bill Blackshear Jr., James Blackshear, Richard Blackshear and Matthew Blackshear and her goddaughter, Tiffany Linen. The family extends sincere thanks to the staff of the Upstate Medical Oncology Unit and the Grand of Utica 7th floor staff for their care and attention. Visitors may call upon the family on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South Street, corner of Hammond Ave. Josephine's Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Josephine will be honored by the Mohawk Valley Nurse Honor Guard. If you are unable to attend visitation or services, please connect to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83299440641.

Mrs. Josephine "Josie" (House) Blackshear

August 7, 1947 - November 15, 2023