A couple of dashing young fellas were hanging out around the outside of a church building in Huntington some 40 plus years ago. The sight of a beautiful young girl through the church window caught the eye of a teenage Kennith Elmore.
The young woman’s name, Josie Escalante. Kennith knew right away, she was the one. He recounted their first date. He was late, and her father wouldn’t let her go. The next opportunity would prove more successful. The courtship was short and they married September 6, 1958.
Little did they both know, they would later pastor the very church where the two first met.
The couple had four children: Carrol, Becky, Teresa and Melissa. Josie remained the strong matriarch, raising her children and supporting her husband while he worked operating heavy equipment, driving a dump truck and serving as Mayor of the City of Huntington.
Throughout the years the beloved couple would become grandparents and great grandparents. Additionally, Kennith and Josie remained on as pastors at Westside Pentecostal Church.
The bond the couple shared throughout the years was undeniable to anyone who knew them. Often times they would share that when it was their time to go, they hoped it be together. However, that was not to be as God called Josie to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 10.
She often sang specials in church, a few of her favorites included: “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You,” and “Old Gospel Ship.” Josie took that trip. The journey she began so many years ago when she got saved, was complete. She left behind an amazing Christian legacy, her happy hands that clapped with joy in the Spirit and “Hallelujah Jesus” praises. She spent her time outside church calling and checking on the widows and the sick, praying with and for them. Next to her love for Christ, her family. Truly they were the apple of her eye.
Tomorrow will start without her here on this earth. For that we are sorrowful. We know, however, God’s Word is true and that Josie knows no sadness, no suffering or pain. Now, we must pick up where she left off. Continuing in the work of the Lord, praying for her family and supporting them and each other. We know it is not goodbye, but see you again. And one day Kennith will catch a glimpse of her once again, this time just inside the gates of Heaven.
