Mother Josie B Prince Thomas

On August 3, 1931, in Cuthbert, Georgia, Josie Beatrice Moore made her entrance into the world.  She was born to Joseph and Mattie Moore. A short time later while just a little girl, she and her only sibling, Susie, were adopted and reared by Rubin and Savana Jones.

Josie attended school in Randolph County. She spent a lifetime learning. Her lessons in life contributed to her good character, her charismatic connection to others, and her very gentle manner of speaking. Throughout her life, Josie was known as loving, kind-hearted, generous, and selfless.

At the age of 18, Josie met the love of her life, Reverend Paul Prince, and she soon become his wife. To this princely union, 13 children were added. Theirs was a house that love built.

For years and until the passing of her husband, Josie was a dedicated member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She then became a member of the Evangelical Faith Vision Ministry (EFVM) where she was eventually named Mother of the church. While serving at EFVM, God called her to preach his gospel. During this time, she met the second love of her life, Deacon Alfred Thomas.

Josie became a great anointed pastor whose oversight included Miracle Deliverance Temple in Cuthbert, GA, and Christ Deliverance Temple in Columbus, GA. In the southwest Georgia area, she spent years helping, blessing, and anointing many people.  Then, God led her to Atlanta, GA, where she joined YAQAR Ministries and served faithfully as an Apostle of God until her health failed. She moved back to Columbus, GA.

Mother, Mom, Mama were all titles that were well suited for Josie.  While her 13 children might have been more than enough for many, Josie always made room in her heart and home for other children.  She helped to shape their lives by always being a sounding board and sharing words of wisdom to guide them down the road of life.

An industrious Proverbs 31 woman, Josie understood that minister is more than a title; it is also an action word that involves work.  While she worked for a couple of years at Kellwood Sewing Factory in Cuthbert, GA, most of her employment involved serving the direct needs of people. Josie was a nanny; a cook, a seamstress, a private duty sitter/companion, and a medical transport provider.

Her life was defined by her service to others; however, she did not deprive herself of her joys of life.  She made time to do the non-pastoral things she loved—fishing, gardening, farming, and tending to animals, especially farm animals. 

Just before dawn on Sunday, October 9, 2022, Josie departed her earthly life to live with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her biological father and mother, her adopted parents; both husbands; and three of her children, Josh Paul Prince, Edward Prince, and Erlene Tucker.

Apostle Josie’s legacy will be cherished by her sister, Susie (John Arthur) Wilburn; ten children, MaryAnn (Toney) Hill, Melvin Prince, Joseph Prince, Eugene (Cynthia) Prince, Lenora Prince, Aserine (Charles) Burney, Pastor K C (Rhonda) Prince, David Prince, Lorether (Robert) Chester, and Jacqulyn Hope;  95   grandchildren, 125 great-grandchildren, 43 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, close friends, and other loved ones.

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