Obituary

Mrs. Josepha Marie Young-Hamilton, 80 years old, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, after a long illness.

Josepha, known as “Mama” or “Josie,” pursued a lifelong career and retired from the United States Postal Service. She started her career at the United State Postal Service in 1970. She was the First Black Woman in West Virginia awarded a Mail Handlers’ position. Josepha’s accomplishments and professionalism throughout her Postal Service career are noted. She was appointed Shop Steward for the Mail Handlers Union for a period of five years. In 1980, she transferred to Brooklyn, New York, and in 1982 was detailed to Acting Supervisor. In 1983, she was promoted to supervisor and was assigned the Primary Secondary Operations. Due to her proficiency and operational knowledge, in 1995, management assigned her to the Manual Flats Operation, where she acquired the name “Mama.” She was known not only as a supervisor, but wore many hats, such as warden, counselor, physician, psychologist, teacher, travel agent, tour guide, sports enthusiast, but most of all, friend to many. Josepha retired in April 2001 and returned to West Virginia in 2012.

Josepha was preceded in death by her Mother (Rose Willis), Father (Joseph Earley), Son (James Earley), Brother (Mike Earley), Sister-N-law Gracie Earley-Gardner, Grandmother (Elsie Jackson), Aunt (Carrie Mae Wallace), Niece (Rochelle Earley), Nephew (Mikhail Howard), and Cousin (Cary Johnson)

Left to treasure her memories: Leopold Hamilton (Brooklyn, NY), Daughter Rose Pleasant, Daughter Alice Turpin (Gary), Daughter Sally Burkes (James), all of Charleston; Grandkids: Robert Pleasant (Emily) of Charleston, Effoloia Young of Huntington, Milton Pleasant (Natasha) of Springfield, Ohio, Patrick Earley of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Elijah Pleasant of Charleston, Kiana Earley-Palafox (Gibran) of Arizona, James Earley, Josiah Earley of California; two nieces: Kelly and Michelle Earley, and nephew Mike Earley, all of California. She also had seven great-grandkids and a host of lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2023, in the Kanawha Room at the Schoenbaum Center, located at 1701 5th Avenue, Suite 1, Charleston, West Virginia 25387.

Repast to follow from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Diabetes Association at diabetes.com . Simply click on “Ways to Contribute,” then “Memorial Gift.”

You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.