Josephine Ann Copeland McCleary Goodin born on May 19, 1935 entered into rest on June 15, 2011 in Manteca California, she was 76 years old. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents Robert Wallace and Lela Zora Copeland, her first husband RE McCleary and her second husband Claude Goodin; her siblings, Lela Mae Copeland, Robert Joseph Copeland, and Michael Curtis Copeland and 1 great grandchild Zecharia Eugene Reese.

Josephine is survived by her children, Steven McCleary, JoAnn McCleary Janet Mulneaux, Vivian Rinker (Bob), Janis Feland (Don), Larry Goodin (Kay) and Bill Goodin (Nancy), she was blessed with 17 grandchildren, Robie Dillard (Stan), Shelby Nordman (Wesley), Jeff O’Daniel, Christopher Jackson (Stacie), Jonathan Jackson (Jennifer), Jodi Burkhammer (Tommy), Paul Goodin (Mayla), David Goodin, Larry J. Goodin, James Rollins (Jhoanna), Bryce Rollins (Shannon), Robert Ramirez, Vincent Ramirez, Steven Ramirez, Tamara Moyer, Tabatha Reese (Derek), and John Mulneaux; and 24 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind 6 siblings, Wallace Dean Copeland, Roberta Arlene Stevens (Robert), Barbara Faye Copeland, Hazel Nadine Parsons (Ron), Linda Kaye Duggan (Terry), and Karen Diane Herrington (Robert) and 3 sister-in-laws, Velma McCleary, Clara Marie Farmer and Mary McCleary. As well as numerous nieces and nephews who she adored.

Josephine was known by her family and friends as “Jo.” Anyone who knew Jo would tell you that she was kind, gentle, and friendly by nature. She was involved in many different activities throughout her community. She graduated from Manteca High School in 1953 going on to Humphrey’s College in Stockton graduating in 1955. Through Humphrey’s College she joined Alpha IOTA sorority in Nov. of 1955. After college Jo worked in payroll for San Joaquin County Superintendent of Schools in Stockton. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Manteca. When Jo’s children were growing up she decided to be a stay home mom working diligently for her children. She was extremely involved with 4-H as a leader teaching cooking and canning. Jo was also the key initiator in getting all the Manteca Unified School District 6th graders to begin their science camp journey; which is still active today. When her daughter JoAnn was in high school Jo was one of the chaperones for the Manteca High School kids for a one week History tour to Washington D.C., N.Y., PA., Jamestown, Boston, Central Park, and toured through the White House. In the late 1970’s Jo went back to work where she spent 24 years at Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca (DHM) as a Discharge Planner/Patient Advocate. During her time with DHM she helped families and patients arrange for home and convalescent care. Always willing to help people Jo assisted those individuals in obtaining information on community resources. Jo always put her work and concern for people before her own personal life. Because of her great passion at DHM she was named DHM employee of the Year in 1992. In 2003 Jo was inducted into the 11th Annual Manteca Hall of Fame for Health Care. With all of her many activities with home life and DHM she found time to help organize the Manteca Travelers where she was a charter member until 2007 when the club retired. For the past 30 years Jo has been involved with Daffodil Days, Manteca CAPS program, Auxiliary functions, and the Manteca Prayer Breakfast. Jo’s integrity, commitment and unselfishness will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Josephine’s services are being handled by P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home of Manteca. A memorial will be held on Tuesday June 21, 2011 at 3 p.m. at her home church of First Baptist 715 North Street Manteca. A potluck will be held immediately following the services at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church gym 910 East North Street Manteca. Food can be delivered between the times of 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm. To sign Josephine’s on-line guest book please visit www.plfryandson.com (search obituaries) Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to City of Hope Hospital Attn Gift Admin 1500 E. Duart e Rd. Duarte, Ca 91010, Hospice of San Joaquin 3888 Pacific Ave. Stockton Ca 95024 or Manteca Historical Society P.O. Box 907 Manteca, Ca 95336.

Manteca (Calif) Bulletin
Sunday, June 19, 2011