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Josephine Degree Wilson was born on June 28, 1928 in Shelby, NC and departed this life Sunday, November 7, 2021 in Asheville, NC where she was a resident until he untimely departure.

She was the daughter of the late Michael Degree and Nola Mae B. Degree. She is preceded in death by her husband William Wilson, sisters Mary Ann Degree, Mamie Border, Betty Bratton, Faye Degree; brothers Ray Degree, Willie Degree and Bob Degree, daughter Evon Mills, grandson Desmon Wilson and great grandsons Jacob Sanders Jr. and Antonio Wray.

In her early years Josephine became a member of the Elks Club, Rhododendron Temple #573 where she had served diligently. Mrs. Wilson was a member of Nazareth First Baptist church, where she was named Mother of the Year, 2017.  She was the Lead Culinarian at the Hot Shot Café that was located on Biltmore Ave. While working at the Hot Shot she became famously known for her homemade biscuits and gravy. Mrs. Wilson has appeared on a few tv shows and in the newspaper for her food. In her retirement years, she also worked as a greeter at Sam’s Club.

Mrs. Josephine was known by many names; Mrs. Josey, Joe, mama and the greatest of all Granny. She was loved by everyone that she met and would not hesitate to help whoever was in need. She was always known not just for her caring spirit but her zest for life. She was never without a good story to tell or a joke to make you laugh.

The queen of five generations she has five children, 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Left to cherish Mrs. Wilson’s memory is her sister Elizabeth Burgess (Willie James), brother Michael Everette Degree; children; Keith Arrington, Adrian Wilson (Greenville, SC), Andre Wilson (Asheville), Yvette Arrington; grandchildren: Shelia Wray (Asheville), Kanita McGahee (Charlotte), Keiara Arrington, Keith Arrington Jr., Raye Arrington, Josephine Wilson, Shakeira Wilson, Donterrian Wilson; great grands; Kimika Sanders, Shaunterica Sanders, Maurice Wray-Nesbitt, Jimmy Arrington, Donterrian Wilson Jr., Miyania Robinson, Riley Wilson, Na’caiah Martin, Honquarius Wilson, Sa’Miyah Wilson, Sidtegus Gary Jr. Kamor Irby, Rodrikus Jr., Ka’nius Wilson, Brielle Wilson, Messiah Wilson and Josiah Wilson; great-great grandchildren; Dei’Jha Martin, Wraegan Martin, Jayda Nesbitt, Laurynn Nesbitt, Haiden Norris, Rylee Nesbitt and Mace Wray; and a host of other family and friends.

A funeral service to honor the life of Mrs. Josephine Degree Wilson will be at 12pm on Saturday, November 20th at Nazareth First Missionary Baptist Church located 146 Pine Street in Asheville. Viewing will be held on Friday, November 19th from 10am - 5pm at Avery's Memorial Chapel. The service will be lived streamed on Avery’s Memorial Chapel's Face Book page.

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