Josephine DeFriece Wilson, a resident of Greenville, S.C., previously a resident for many years of Ft. Lauderdale and Naples, Florida died Monday, January 4, 2010 at The Woodlands at Furman.

A native of Bristol, Tennessee, born July 13, 1925, Josephine was involved in several civic, religious and youth activities while living in Bristol. She served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Massengill-DeFriece Foundation, a charitable organization where she was past President.
She continued as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bristol when she moved to Florida a number of years ago.
She is preceded in death by her parents
Frank William DeFriece and Pauline Massengill DeFriece, her sister Marthina DeFriece, her brother Frank W. DeFriece, Jr. and grand-daughter Heather Michelle Wilson.

As a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she is survived by two daughters and son-in-law, Susan Manter of Simpsonville, S.C; Patti & Robert Keeper of San Antonio, TX; two sons and daughters-in-law, Chris & Lauren Wilson of Ft. Myers, FL; Rick & Sandy Hagerstrom of Naples, FL.; ten grandchildren: Olivia (Josh) Pedersen; Aaron (Justi) and Austin Manter; Marley and Julie Hagerstrom; Michael and Travis Keeper; Lauren, Adam and Ashley (Drake Capps) Wilson; six great-grandchildren: Emma, Ansley, Bear, and Stella Pedersen; Jack Capps and Lucas Manter.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to: The Ronald McDonald House, 418 North State of Franklin Rd., Johnson City, TN. 37604 Tel: (423) 637-7475.

At her request, there will be no formal funeral service. On Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., friends may meet with the family at Akard Funeral Home. At 2:00 p.m., a Memorial Gathering will be held in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel. The Committal Service with family and friends attending will follow at Shelby Hills Cemetery.

Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com