Obituary of Josie Mae Lakin

Josie Mae Lakin, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2020 at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. Josie was born on April 29, 1924 in Lookout, Kentucky.  She was a long-time resident of Pikeville, Kentucky until she moved to Palm Bay, Florida in 2012 to live with her daughter. Josie was employed at the old Murphy’s Store on Main Street and May’s Pastry Shop in downtown Pikeville.  She was also employed as a dental assistant for thirty-five years with Dr. William (Bill) Ratliff, Dentist in Pikeville until her retirement. Josie was a beautiful soul, who had a fun-loving personality.  She loved to cook and was well known for her delicious chicken and dumplings, which were requested at all family reunions and social events. She was a long-time member of the Amazing Grace Church of Pikeville, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her parents, Georgia and Corbin Easterling, one sister, and five brothers.  Also by her loving husband of 70 years, Douglas B. Lakin and her beloved son, Reginald Douglas Lakin, who passed away on November 25, 2019. Survivors include two daughters Rhonda Linger (Aaron) and Barbara Riggs (Vic) and daughter-in-law, Anna Lakin (Doug); 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; many extended families who loved her and called her Granny Jo and nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Jo. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ammen Funeral Home, 950 Malabar Road SE. Palm Bay, Florida on January 26, 2020 at 2:00 P.M.  Also a memorial service will be held in Pikeville, Kentucky at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Health First Hospice of Brevard County. We would like to thank all of the special angels at the Hospice House who took such great care of our queen.