Josie L. Winfree, Vernon Parish Louisiana
Submitted by Belford E. Carver



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This obituary and poem were written by Lillie McGee before she became the 
wife of the Rev. J. G. Carver. This couple was my grandparents. I found 
it while searching for family information at the New Orleans Baptist 
Seminary Archives. Grandmother Carver was age 23 at the time of this 
writing; and, no doubt, was close to her cousin, Josie, who was about 
two years older at the time of her death. Lillie’s parents were Louisa 
McAlpin and John McGee, and her grandparents were Emily Smart and Mark 
McAlpin. 

From the Minutes of the Vernon Baptist Association, October 1897, page 13. 

IN MEMORY OF MRS. JOSIE L. WINFREE 

Mrs. Josie L. Winfree was born in Houston county, Texas, November 24, 1871; 
died March 1, 1897, aged 25 years, 4 months and 8 days. Her death was caused 
by the explosion of gunpowder in her kitchen. 

Her father died when she was quite young. Her mother, who was a sister to 
L. L. McAlpin, deceased, move back to Vernon parish, La., where Josie and 
Mr. W. A. Winfree were married April 1, 1891. For nearly six years they 
lived a quiet and happy life together, when God in his wisdom saw fit to 
call her from her earthly home to a happier home–a mansion in the skies. 
Josie joined the Missionary Baptist church at Anna Coco during the summer 
of 1894. She was an affectionate wife and mother, a loving sister and
kind friend. She had a kind word and pleasant smile for all she met. During 
her illness of 14 days she showed much patience and fortitude. “By patience 
possess ye your soul.” She had lived in a way that she was not afraid to die. 
Only a few moments before she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, she told her 
husband that she did not fear death. Oh, what a consolation to the living! 

Dear cousin, over thy departure we deeply mourn,

But all trials with patience must be borne,

That we may be able to meet

And together walk the Golden Streets 

–Lillie McGee 

(From THE LUTER-DAVIS AND ALLIED FAMILIES, Marie Luter Upton, 1959, I deducted 
that the parents of Josie probably were Emily E. McAlpin and J. R. Turner.)

(Belford E. Carver, April 4, 2002)