Mrs. Josephine Donehew, age 98, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026.

Born on March 5, 1928, in Orangeburg, Kentucky, Josephine was the daughter of the late Joseph Lawrence Halfhill and the late Bess Colliver Halfhill. She was raised in Orangeburg and graduated from Maysville High School before attending the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for two years, pursuing her love of music and education.

Josephine married Robert Lykins Toncray, and together they were blessed with three children. During her early career, she worked for the Kentucky State Highway Department for several years. Following her divorce, she worked at a radio station in Maysville, Kentucky. In 1967, she married Walter Donehew, and the family relocated to the Atlanta area. There, Josephine began a long and rewarding career as the Administrative Secretary for Eastside Hospital in Snellville, Georgia, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

Josephine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived a long and meaningful life marked by hard work, dedication to her family, and a gracious spirit that touched all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Donehew.

She is survived by her sister, Harriett Garrison of Alexandria, Kentucky; her children, Billie Jo Richards of Dahlonega, Georgia, Margaret Toncray of Sugar Hill, Georgia, and Robert Donehew and his wife, Merrie Beth, of Cumming, Georgia. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brian Hamm of Dahlonega, Georgia, Danielle Donehew of Tucker, Georgia, and Kristina Donehew of Ipswich, Massachusetts; and her great-grandchildren, Cody Hamm and Colton Hamm of Dahlonega, Georgia, Walker Donehew of Tucker, Georgia, and Holton Donehew and Avery Donehew of Massachusetts.

Josephine is further survived by her niece, Christi VanDruten of Alexandria, Kentucky; her great-nephews, Kyle VanDruten and Corey VanDruten, also of Alexandria; as well as many cherished cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Mrs. Donehew will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched throughout her 98 years.