Josephine Maria (Devine) McMahan

Josephine (Josie) Maria Devine Clift McMahan, 76, of Rosehill went to be with our Lord May 1, 2022 surrounded by her daughters. Josie was born in Surrey England as the daughter of Hugh and Hilda Devine, February 1, 1946. Josie attended junior school in England at St. Mary’s Botwell Catholic School of Hayes London and as a senior went to Mellow Lane Comprehensive in Hayes. Once leaving school Josie was fully competent in Pittmans shorthand which she used to her advantage to gain employment at age 16 with Barclays Bank Trustee Department in Uxbridge, West Londonkingkkk. Josie fell in love and married Robert (Bob) Preston Clift (US Airforce) November 21, 1970, in the same church she attended school, St. Mary’s of Hayes London. They arrived in McAlester, Ok February 12, 1971 and purchased 89er Cleaners February 23, 1971 which is still in operation today. Bob and Josie celebrated the birth of Rachel Maria after settling in Oklahoma. Despite the change in life circumstances, Josie and Bob remained the best of friends and continued to operate 89er Dry Cleaners up until her death. Whilst conducting the business at 89er Cleaners she attended various vo-tech classes. She always enjoyed helping people which led her to train as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Kiamichi Vo-tech of McAlester. Following graduation, she worked at McAlester Regional Hospital in the Labor and Delivery Department for approximately four years. After which she kept her license current for over 30 years. From an early age, Josie realized her love for helping others, especially, those less fortunate than she. Volunteering much of her time at an orphanage in her hometown in England, many weekends were spent taking the foster children on trips to make their lives more enjoyable. Continuing her volunteer work in the US, she became a Court Appointed Social Advocate (CASA) for several counties in Oklahoma as well as religious class instructor at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for many years. Josie was honored as Catholic Woman of the Year in the last ten years. She was also a member of Haskell County OHCE. Several years later Josie remarried her life partner Johnny Lee McMahan (Yuma, the Mayor of Rosehill) their family was soon extended with the birth of their lovely Laura Lee. Johnny and Josie successfully built a working ranch at Rosehill by operating broiler houses and a cow/calf operation for over 30 years. Johnny and Josie recently celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary of a very happy marriage this past January 16th. Without a doubt Josie’s life revolved around her family, children and grandchildren. Josie was an avid learner and diverse collector. She enjoyed her faith, family, friends, customers and traveling the world always with a smile and a laugh. She was a very devoted Christian, daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, nanny, aunty, friend, teacher and was deeply respected by all that knew her. She touched many souls within many communities with her humility and never ending support, a true inspiration to all. Her passing will be a detriment to all that knew her but memories of her will never be forgotten. Josie is survived by her husband, Johnny Lee McMahan, her brother Michael Devine, daughters Rachel Maria Lockwood and husband Ron, Laura Lee Hulsey and husband Jeff, her step-son David McMahan, her loving grandchildren Lydia, Ethan, Jolee, Trey, Duane, Dustin, Elisha, Tyler as well as great grandchildren- Ivy, Alex, Leah, Sayre, Devon, Ti, Trystan, Tia and Dylan, great-great grandchildren, Raelynn and Riley. As well as lifetime friend, Bob Clift, and many nieces and nephews. Josie is preceded in death by her loving parents. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Josie’s Honor to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Stigler. Josie will be honored at the regular scheduled 5:00 P.M., Sunday, Rosary, May 8, at St. Joseph’s of Stigler. Monday, Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. with Wake following. Her funeral service will be held Monday, May 9, with a mass, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church followed by the celebration of her life in the Parish Hall. Pallbearers include Michael Devine, Ron Lockwood, Keith McMahan, Jeff Hulsey, Ethan Hulsey and Trey McMahan. Honorary Pallbearers include Bob Clift, Ethan Hulsey, Keith McMahan, Kirk McMahan, Terry Trivitt, Joe Sosa, Joe Sosa Jr. Trey Autrey, Larry Henry and Delmar Harris. There will be no graveside service as her wishes were for her ashes to be scattered at a later date.

Josephine Maria (Devine) McMahan

February 1, 1946 - May 1, 2022