Josephine T. Raywinkle

Josephine T. Raywinkle Memorial services for Josephine T. Raywinkle were held at 11:00 a.m.Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at the Winterfield United Methodist Church, 2616 Tryon Road, Longview, Texas, following family committal services at Rosewood Park Mausoleum, with the Reverend Mike Lindstrom presiding. Mrs. Raywinkle died at Good Shepherd Medical Center on Saturday following a short illness. Josephine T. Raywinkle was born in Taylor, Arkansas on June 1, 1921; daughter of Romie and Clara Stuart Taylor. She had one brother Retired Col. Harold Taylor who is deceased Mrs. Raywinkle graduated from Magnolia High School. She married Carl C. Gilstrap in 1939, and after his death, she married Bill Edward Raywinkle in 1952 in Longview, Texas who preceeded her in death December 2002. Mrs. Raywinkle was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In her work career, she was employed by McAlister Fuel Oil Co. and Lane Wells Co. in Magnolia, Arkansas. She later worked in Longview, Texas for Central Abstract & Title and subsequently the Gregg County Clerk's Office for several years until retirement. Mrs. Raywinkle was an active member of Winterfield United Methodist Church for over 50 years; serving as a church secretary, organist, pianist, member of the Loyal Workers Sunday School Class, chairperson of the Caring Committee and participant in Angels Unaware. She was also a former member of the Chancel Choir and Sterling Club. Mrs. Raywinkle is survived by three sons, Mike Gilstrap and wife Barbara of Humble, TX, Jerry Gilstrap and wife Diana of Shady Shores, TX, and Bill E. Raywinkle, Jr. of Tucson, AZ; one step-daughter, Billie Ann Huffman and her husband Charles Huffman of Longview, and one step-son, H. E. "Bud" Raywinkle and wife Louise of Longview. She was especially proud of her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A special thanks is given to caregivers Cathy Smitha and Letha Yates who offered extraordinary love and care during the last year of her life, for which the family is most grateful. God calls our loved ones, but we lose not wholly what He has given; They live on earth in thought and deed as truly as in His heaven.

Josephine T. Raywinkle

June 1, 1921 - September 14, 2003