Josie Mae Mann

Our Beloved Mother, Josie Mae Mann 96, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Orchard Villa Nursing Home. Born on May 25, 1929, in Tunica, Mississippi, the only child to John and Albertus Simmons. Josie was a beacon of strength, joy and kindness, known for her vibrant spirit and endless stories and laughter.

A woman of unwavering faith, Josie dedicated her entire life to her greatest calling: her family. While she never held a professional title outside the home, she mastered the most demanding career of all, raising nine children with boundless patience, wisdom, and grace. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, fueled by her "heart of gold" and a spirit that saw the best in everyone she met.

Her devotion to God was the cornerstone of her long life. She found her greatest joy in prayer, scripture, and the simple beauty of a life lived in service to others. She taught her children—and later her many grandchildren—the value of kindness, the power of forgiveness, and the importance of keeping faith through all of life’s seasons.

Josie is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James W. Mann, her dear parents, John and Albertus Simmons, sons Sammie Bates, Johnnie Bates and Willie Rayford Jr. and daughters Mattie Jean Wilder and Mary Ann Wilder. She leaves behind a massive, loving legacy including her four children, Ezell Wilder of Nashville, Tenn., Mamie Gentry of Detroit, Mich., William (Giovanna) Mann of Italy and Kimberly (James) Munn of Toledo, Ohio and bonus daughter Veola Mann of Las Vegas, Nevada. She had 13 grandchildren, 7 bonus grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members.

Though she has departed this world, her love remains in the heartbeat of her family. We find comfort knowing she is finally reunited with our Lord and her loved ones who went before her.

The family will receive guests Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 5301 Nebraska Ave Toledo, Ohio. The Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church with Bishop Duane C. Tisdale officiating.

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