Josephine C. Alwine

Josephine C. “Jo” Alwine, 87, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at UPMC Memorial, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Thomas E. “Tom” Alwine for 49 years.

Born in Waynesboro PA on October 24, 1936, Jo was the daughter of the late Leo Boyd Rodgers and Helen Rebecca (Pyle) Rodgers. She was a 1954 graduate of William Penn High School in York.

Jo was employed by Bell Telephone and Borg-Warner as a young wife and mother, later retiring from McCrory Distribution Center in 1991.

Jo was blessed with a long and happy life filled with strong faith and devotion, close-knit family and steadfast friends, endless optimism and determination, and an unforgettable smile.

As a member of Yorkshire Church for 58 years, Jo was dedicated to service and fellowship. She was an ardent student and teacher in Sunday School, Bible Studies and Women’s Circles, volunteered her time for hospital/nursing home visitation, and spent many happy years alongside her church family hosting meals and receptions for new members, youth groups and funerals.

Jo had a lifelong love of music, a talent for playing piano “by ear” and a beautiful mezzo-soprano voice. She greatly enjoyed decades of church choir membership, as well as performing in churches throughout York County and surrounding areas as part of the “Yorkshire Trio” with her cherished best friends, Norma Folkenroth and Martha Libert.

Jo is survived by three daughters: Dana Alwine of York, Karen Alwine Adamson (Eric) of Felton, and Mary Sheffer (Keith) of York; six grandchildren: John Naylor of York, Zack Sheffer of York, Stefanie Hohn (Cody) of Stewartstown, Brynn Hinkle (Jordan) of Yorkana, Thomas Wakeland of Felton, and Erin Sheffer of York; and one great-grandson, Preston James Hinkle.

Jo is also survived by one sister, Dartha “Dotti” Enterline of Ft. Pierce, FL; sister-in-law Jenny Lu Rodgers of Jacksonville NC; brother-in-law Ronald Alwine and wife Vonnie of York; and 20 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, Eugene Rodgers, and four sisters: Helen “Bucky” Greenhalgh, Elizabeth “Ibbie” Black, Pam Thieme and Eva Becker; and 11 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Yorkshire Church, 125 Edgewood Road, York PA 17402 with Jo’s pastor, Dave Kominsky, officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. The John W. Keffer Funeral Homes and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the York County Honors Choir, PO Box 827, York PA 17405.