Josephine Grant Midgett, 92, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2016, after a long, fruitful life. Born Aug. 31, 1923 in Lawrence, MA, to the late John and Ellen Grant, Jo was the seventh of eight children, all of whom predeceased her.
She traveled extensively as the wife of a U.S. Air Force pilot. After the end of World War II, they lived around the world, including time in Hawaii, Germany, the Philippines, and France, returning to the United States for the birth of her two sons. Her strongest memories of those days abroad included raising two young sons on the French and German economies with only high school French to help her communicate. A frightening remembrance was traveling on a sealed train through the Soviet sector to Berlin for an assignment. She especially enjoyed seeing the German castles and post-war Parisian night life, including seeing Elizabeth Taylor and Nicky Hilton on their honeymoon in a Paris night club.
After returning to the United States permanently, she studied accounting at Old Dominion University and worked for the Department of the Navy in Norfolk as a budget specialist.
She lived on Bay Island, where she resided for 53 years until she moved to Bay Lake Retirement Community in 2014. Her family was the focal point of her life.
Jo was predeceased by her beloved husband, Grover “Ted” Midgett. She is survived by her two sons, Robert A. Magoon, Jr. (Donna Q. Magoon) of Virginia Beach, VA and Brian A. Magoon (Diane Claxton Magoon), of Denver, CO. Also left behind are her grandchildren, Dane T. Magoon of Honolulu, HI; Brock A. Magoon (Jennifer S. Magoon) of Frankfurt, Germany; David M. Magoon, of Colorado Springs, CO; Kevin Magoon (Tatia Magoon) of Ft. Lewis, WA; and her beloved great grandchildren Jack E. Magoon, Will G. Magoon, and Jesse H. Magoon, all of Murfreesboro, TN; Moira, Meghan, and Molly Magoon, all of Frankfurt, Germany; and Kade and Rylan Magoon, of Ft. Lewis, WA.
Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home on Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, is in charge of arrangements. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in her honor on Thursday, January 28, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Holy Family in Virginia Beach followed by interment at Princess Anne Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to Church of the Holy Family, Virginia Beach, VA or Lynnhaven River Now, Virginia Beach, VA. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
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