Obituary: Josephine (DeGregory) Elliott

MADISON - Josephine Jane Elliott, age 80, of Madison, lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, March 19, 2005. She was born in Madison on Feb. 20, 1925, the daughter of Bernard and Sarah (Brashi) DeGregory. She grew-up in the Greenbush Neighborhood and graduated from Madison Central High. She worked for AT&T as a telephone operator until she married. For many years she struggled with her husband's alcoholism and manic depression. After they divorced, she returned to the telephone company as an operator. Jo was always there for her children. She lost her younger brother, Anthony DeGregory, in a drowning accident at the Tenney Locks in 1950. She missed him very much. In the early 1970s she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. For years, Jo weekly sent letters to those who had lost loved ones in death to help console and encourage them. Although her life was difficult, she would always reach out to help others if they needed her. Her faith taught her the resurrection for most people would be an earthly resurrection and she looked forward to that. She is survived by a son, Larry Elliott, Madison; and a daughter, Toni Johnson. At her request, services will be private, with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Madison. For those that would like to console the family, they can send cards to the family in care of Larry Elliott, 591 Toepfer Drive, Madison, WI 53711. "Losing a loved one" One thing is very clear. It's like my loved one just disappeared. There are no words to really explain. The loss, the grief, the overwhelming pain. You stand there saying your goodbyes and then, you wonder, "Will I ever see you again?" They say in time the grief will ease, and that youre left with memories. I may ease into this against my will, but what I really want is to hug you still. Then I recall what John 11:43 was about. When Jesus called to dead Lazarus, "Come out!" Out of the tomb he slowly came. His sisters joy they could hardly contain. Also Luke 8 says a couple lost their daughter. After Jesus raised her, she was given food and water. Jesus wants to resurrect all those who are dead. This is what John 5:28 truly says. He says all in the memorial tombs will come out. Just like Lazarus did, I don't doubt. So, if youve lost a brother, mother or friend. There is a good chance you'll see them again. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608) 442-0477

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 22, 2005