Josephine Whittaker was born on September 19, 1944 in Neptune, NJ. She was the 13th child of the late Norman and Elizabeth Johnson.  She attended the public schools in Neptune and graduated from Neptune High School.

Josie also graduated from Union Technical Institute. She was employed at Meridian Health System as a Unit Secretary and Heart Monitor Technician. Reluctantly leaving all her friends, she retired in December 2014 after working for 44 years.

She was an active member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church for many years. Later in life she became a member of New Life Baptist Church in Tinton Falls, NJ.

In July 1984 she met and married Robert (Bob) Whittaker. They enjoyed many years of traveling together. They raised one son, Shawn Lamar Whittaker.

Josie's first passion was shopping, and her second passion was her Elk's organization and traveling all over the United States with them. Josie joined Elizabeth Bunn Temple #677, Neptune NJ in 1989 serving in various positions. She was also a member of various houses within the Elks organization, including Mary Hightower District Council serving as the Assistant Financial Secretary, The New Jersey State Does serving as Doorkeeper and Gatekeeper, and she received her highest degree in Elkdom becoming a Past Grand Daughter Ruler in New Orleans in August 1999.

In November of 1999 she was crowned Queen of the Past Grand Daughter Ruler's Circle. Josie was also honorably assigned the position of Grand District Deputy Grand Daughter Ruler overseeing Phyllis Wheatley Temple #276 Red Bank, NJ for several years.

Josephine departed from this life on January 29, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Whittaker; brothers, Yahya Sharif Jr. (Buddy) Winston Johnson, Frank Johnson, Jack Johnson, Harold Johnson, and David Johnson; and sisters, Vina Lee Stanton, and Marie Washington.

She is survived by her son, Shawn Whittaker of Neptune NJ;  nine grandchildren, Dayshon Whittaker, Abdullah Whittaker, Ahmir Whittaker, Elijah Whittaker, Allajah Whittaker, Ameer Whittaker, Ahjane Whittaker, Frederick Whittaker and Teyonna Whittaker; two sisters, Lucy Davis of Lockport New York, and Davetta Warren (Richard) of Roosevelt New York; two brothers, Clifford Aziz (Lillie) of Puyallup Washington, and Richard Johnson of Tinton Falls, NJ; friend and sister-in-law, Helen Johnson of Brick NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Josie will surely be missed by her family and many friends.