Ceril Oliver Josey
Photo
Ceril's obituary
On Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, Ceril Oliver Josey, the fun loving, brilliant patriarch of the Josey family transitioned from labor to reward while enjoying a well deserved nights rest. Josey touched many lives with his signature smile, thought provoking humor, and commanding but soothing baritone voice. He was known as a compassionate but no nonsense man. He led by example and demanded excellence of himself and everyone in his life.
Born in Macon, Ga on February 29, 1952, he was the second of five children of Brenda (Dunn) and Roman Josey, Sr. As a young child Josey developed diplomatic and competitive skills early in life. He added to these skills a passion for learning. He excelled in the Macon Public School system and at Morehouse College. He was a man of many talents. He embraced the responsibility of family and the concept of hard work from the time he was a teen until the day he went to be with the Lord. As a result, he had a rich life full of great experiences and adventures.
Joining him in these adventures was the love of his life Barbara Jean(Thomas). He captured her heart when he rode a unicycle from town to her home on the country side. An old fashioned handsome gentleman who possessed style and panache, he asked her father for her hand in marriage before flying her to the Bahamas to pop the question and present the ring.
On June 16, 1982 Josey and Thomas were joined in holy matrimony and took the vow “until death us do part” seriously. Through sunshine, fire and rain their love stood the test of time. Over the years they produced two sons Caine and Cameron. These guys really made their life adventures even more interesting. With them and the rest of the family, Josey shared the wisdom he gained from traveling around the globe during the days of his youth.
Before moving his family to Atlanta, he invested his time, money and love in the children and teens in Macon. Through basketball and the performing arts he captured the attention and imaginations of hundreds of young people who participated in the organizations where Josey dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours. They include All Saints Athletic League, the Performing Arts and Cultural League, and Lindsay Park Association.
When not working, volunteering or counseling anyone who needed some sage advice, Josey would escape the demands of his life with a fishing rod in or near calm soothing waters or on the beautiful greens of a golf course.
His ministry and his love of God were reflected in his love and dedication to family, friends and those less fortunate. The life he lived will continue to speak volumes to those he leaves to cherish his memory.
They include his loving mother Bernadine Winfrey; devoted wife Barbar; sons Ced and Cameron Josey; brother Kenneth Josey of Florida; sister Margie Josey (Diane) of Philadelphia; sister-in-law Avril George Trenton (Clyde); aunts Deloris Wyatt, Philadelphia, Salimah Fatima, NY; uncles Douglas Dunham, Henry Dunham, and Larry Josey, GA; nieces/nephews Lashawn Barkley, Bryce Trenton, Keith Roberson (Tiana). And a host of extended family and loving friends.
Send to someone
Want to stay updated?
Share this memorial website
Share with others
