HATTERAS –Josephine Austin Oden born January 25, 1921, to the late AndrewShanklin Austin and Inez Daniels Austin of Hatteras went to be with herLord and Savior on July 3, 2017.
Afterattending Greensboro College and later UNC – Chapel Hill and graduatingwith a degree in journalism, she briefly worked for The Daily Advancein Elizabeth City before marrying Carlos Desmond Oden of Hatteras andstarting a family.
Thisunion created two offspring, Kenny, and Jeff as well as one grandchild,Marci. Josephine and her husband built the Sea Gull Motel in 1955 whichthey managed for many years before they retired.
Uponretiring from the business, dust never had a chance to settle on hershoulders as she chose to travel extensively. When not on the move shewas very active and supportive in community affairs as well as herchurch.
Inher later years, she volunteered in everything from Meals on Wheels tobeing a receptionist at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum into her90’s. In fact, there is a 1922 photo displayed in the museum of a largepicnic held by Brigadier General Billy Mitchell to show hisappreciation to the villagers for their support to his historicalefforts whereby Jo can be seen clinging to her mama as a 1-year-old.
Precededin death by her son, Kenny; husband, Carlos; and granddaughter, Marci;she is survived by her son, Jeff and his wife, Katie Oden of Hatteras;and a sister, Sybil Skakle of Chapel Hill; and many extended family andfriends.
Amemorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 7, 2017, atHatteras United Methodist Church with Rev. Toni Wood officiating. Inlieu of flowers, please make donations to the HUMC Capital ImprovementFund, PO Box 310, Hatteras, NC 27943 or the Outer Banks CommunityFoundation, 13 Skyline Road, Southern Shores, NC 27949.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.
