Josie Frances Descaro, age 97, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away peacefully on May
25, 2025.
Born on November 11, 1927, in Hatchbend, Florida, she was the daughter of the late
Joseph Bell and Nancy E. Light. Known affectionately by many as Josie or Frances, she
lived a long, vibrant life full of love, laughter, faith, and service.
She is survived by her children: Lanny (Dennie) Jones, Lee (Monique) Descaro, Glenda
Snelgrove, and Carol (Greg) Mulvihill. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren:
Courtney (Michael) Cabral, Jarrod (Erin) Descaro, Lauren (Mike) McCartney, Tyler
Mulvihill, Donald Ferguson, Kyle Jones, Candin (Mike) O’Neil, Crissy (Terry) Grimsley,
Joel (Julie) Jones, Robert (Kay) Jones, Paula (Ken) Brown, and Thomas Lawaine
(Tonie) Thompson. She is also lovingly remembered by her many great-grandchildren
and great-great grandchildren, including Jayden, Lennon, Ivan, Dylan, Joey, and
numerous others.
Josie Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Frank Jones and
Joseph Descaro; her son, Joseph Jones; grandson, Landon Jones, Sr.; and her ten
siblings: Walter Bell, Lela Davis, Lavinia Peterson, Louis Bell, Hazel Crowder, Merie
Terry, Hermie Wright, Irene Chewning, Bula Chewning, and Margaret Hall.
A hardworking and dedicated woman, Josie served as a custodian at Bardmoor
Elementary, Largo Junior High, and Branford K-12 in Florida, as well as Detroit Country
Day School in Michigan. She also worked as a housekeeper at Detroit General Hospital
and managed both Sunshine Court and Forest Apartments. In addition to her
professional roles, she cared for children in her home daycare in Branford, Florida.
Josie was deeply spiritual and recognized the Baptist faith. She was a member of
Branford Baptist Church, Lavonia Church of God, and Oak Ridge Wesleyan Church. A
devoted Bible reader, she also served in church nurseries and faithfully supported her
faith communities.
She lived in various places throughout her life, including Hatchbend/Branford, Pinellas
County, and Lakeland, Florida, as well as Lavonia, Michigan—though
Hatchbend/Branford always remained home in her heart.
Josie found joy in simple pleasures. She loved baking, canning, crocheting, solving
crossword puzzles, and piecing together jigsaw puzzles. She was also a proud member
of "The Jugheads," a group that entertained others by sharing jokes and bringing smiles
to many faces.
Above all, Josie Frances was funny, beautiful, feisty, loving, spiritual—and absolutely
stubborn. As a young girl, she played softball and worked on her family’s farm. She
came from one of the first pioneer families to settle in the Dixie, Lafayette, and Madison
counties of Florida, a heritage she held dear. She cherished her family and never
missed a chance to show them love and pride.
A private family service will be held in her honor.
In memory of Josie Frances Descaro, the family encourages donations to an animal
rescue of your choice or the planting of a tree in her name.
