In Memory

Vandalyn White Josey (St Flying Tigers) - Class Of 1953

Vandalyn White Josey

(January 18, 1935 ~ February 14, 2022)

Vandalyn White Josey, daughter of Hill Vandever White and Evelyn Elizabeth Hofner, married to Cleveland Harrell Josey and buried in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, Abilene, Taylor County, Texas.


Vandalyn Josey, 87, of Abilene went home to be with her Lord of February 14, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Funeral Services celebrating her life and faith will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Wylie Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. A visitation will be held on Monday from 5-7:00 PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Hwy. 277 S. Abilene, Texas 79606.

Vandalyn was born in Taylor County to the late Hill Vandiver White and Evelyn Elizabeth (Hafner) White on January 18, 1935. She grew up on a farm near Tuscola with her beloved grandparents, Morris and Villa Hafner. She attended school at Tuscola and attended Abilene High School. In 1957, she met a young Airman at Dyess, Cleveland Harell Josey they corresponded by letters while he was stationed away and were married upon his return on August 7, 1958 in Abilene. She relocated to Denver then to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and back to Denver following her husband’s career. She was a devoted homemaker spending much of her time nurturing her family. She also assisted her husband as a part of the Jaycees. She also enjoyed the many family trips camping and being outdoors creating many memories. After many years, she entered the workforce as a Paraprofessional with the Aurora Public Schools. After many years in Colorado she returned back to Texas initially settling in Winters and then to Abilene in 2006. She enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Vandalyn was a devout Christian. Her faith was at the center of her life. She never hesitated to share her faith with those around her. Sometimes it might have even seemed she was preaching! Once she made Abilene home, again she became actively involved with Wylie Baptist Church. She loved being apart and serving the Lord and the sweet fellowship with others. She and Harell also volunteered with the Texas Baptist Men.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hill and Evelyn White; her grandparents, Morris and Villa Hafner; and her sister, Mary Davis.

She is survived by her, devoted husband, Harell Josey; daughters, Marsha Lynn Murphy and her husband, Tom of Arizona, Glenda Fay Whitney and her husband Lloyd, and Jana Jenice Howell; sister, Kathleen Lippincott; her niece, Vickie White; her granddaughters, Terri Murphy and Tenee Rodriguez; grandsons, Tyron Rodriguez, Edward Paul Hopes, Jared Brady, and Justin Brady; great grandchildren, Trent, Evelyn, Maverick Jackson, and Victoria Rodriguez.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Josey family.