Ms. Josephine Coble Pirtle

Josephine Coble Pirtle was born to the late Eddie Lee Coble Sr. and Evea Louise Jones Coble on Thursday, January 5, 1956, in Bolivar, Tennessee. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family, she peacefully answered the Master’s call and entered into eternal rest. At an early age, Josephine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshipped, served as a devoted member, and joyfully sang in the choir. Her faith became the foundation upon which she built a life of love, compassion, and service to others. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in 1974 and later attended Davidson Technology College. Called to care for others, Josephine became a Certified Nursing Assistant and dedicated more than 25 years of her life to providing compassionate care to countless patients before retiring in 2010. Her gentle spirit, caring heart, and selfless service left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Music was one of God’s greatest gifts to Josephine. In the early 1980s, she joined her four brothers in forming The Coble Family gospel group, beginning a ministry that would touch lives through song for many years. She later shared her remarkable voice as a member of The Lovettes and The Sunset Travelers, and from 1987 to 1994 served as the lead vocalist for Josie and the Spiritual Crusaders. Blessed with exceptional musical talent, Josephine was also a gifted songwriter and producer. She wrote and produced many of the songs featured on her beloved 1991 album, This Road That I Travel, which sold more than 2,500 records in just a few years. The title track, “This Road That I Travel,” along with “Down Through the Years,” became two of the most requested songs on Ivory T. Ellison’s Gospel Broadcast on 95.3 Brownsville Radio. Through the success of Josie and the Spiritual Crusaders, Josephine ministered across the United States, sharing the Gospel through music. In recognition of their outstanding contributions to gospel music, the group received the 1993 West Tennessee Black Heritage Award. Above all, Josephine loved the Lord and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. She later worshipped with the Church of Christ in Denmark, Tennessee, before becoming a faithful member of Berean Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. Whether through music, ministry, community service, or simply caring for those around her, Josephine lived a life that reflected Christ’s love. Her greatest joy was her family, and she treasured every opportunity to love, encourage, and support them. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie Lee Coble Sr. and Evea Louise Jones Coble; her beloved son, Tavaris Pirtle; her cherished granddaughter, Shikia Nicole Pirtle; her brothers, Chambous Coble and Eddie Lee Coble Jr.; and her sisters, Sallie Morgan, Leanor Shivers, and Mary Collins. Although our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Josephine’s legacy of faith, love, music, and service lives on through those she leaves behind to cherish her precious memories: her daughter, Andrea Lynae Pirtle (Robert Bond) of Jackson, Tennessee; her twin children, Andre Pirtle of Jackson, Tennessee, and Adrienne Pirtle Gray (Xavier Gray) of Clinton, Maryland; nine beloved grandchildren; thirteen treasured great-grandchildren; her siblings, Noiszell Coble, Lubertha Chatman, Leroy Coble, Lester Coble, Frances Fentress, and Frenchie Coble; along with a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, and all whose lives were forever touched by her love “Though her voice has been silenced on earth, her songs of faith will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, service, and unwavering faith will never be forgotten.” “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Ms. Josephine Coble Pirtle

January 5, 1956 - June 21, 2026