Josephine Haywood

Josephine Haywood went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. She was born in Birmingham, AL, the 4th of 8 children born to the late Jake and Lucille Rowser. She accepted Christ at an early age, becoming a member of New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Brewerfield, AL.

She relocated to Canton, Ohio where she met and married Willie L. Haywood in 1967. She was a member of Bethel Apostolic Church; The Cathedral of Life, Community Life Church of God in Christ and the House of the Lord where she was an active member in each and served as the head usher which was her passion. Her community services included visiting residents at nursing homes, feeding the homeless, visiting the elderly and other community outreach projects that provided support to those in need. She was a true prayer warrior and intercessor. She was an Evangelist at heart. As her faith grew, so did her passion for helping others. She was well loved and respected in her community. She was an avid reader and had a great appreciation for culture, travel, flowers, culinary experiences, as well as meeting new people.

She retired from the Hoover company after 30 years of loyal service and was then employed by Canton City Schools where she had the opportunity to impact the lives of many youth.

Josephine left a legacy for her family of loving and serving God and people. She leaves to cherish her memory, four children - Lucius Maurice Rowser, Sr. (Canton, Ohio), Savoni J. Haywood (Huntsville, Alabama), Shalonda R. Haywood (Sunnyvale, California) and Derrick Jones (Massillon, Ohio); six grandchildren – Jordan, Lucius, Jr., Joseph, Eleña, Derrick Jr., Karson; five sisters, two brothers and a host of nieces and nephews.

Josephine was preceded in death by her husband Willie L. Haywood.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 12 – 1 pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home. A Home Going Celebration will be held at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. To share a message with Josephine’s family please sign the online guest book.