Clora Josephine (Jo) Van Boskirk of Enid went to be with her Lord on September 1, 2016. Services will be at Emmanuel Baptist Church on September 6 at 10:00 A.M. with graveside service to follow at Enid Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6-7 pm Monday, September 5, 2016 at the funeral home.
Jo was born in Kerrville, TX on March 13, 1928 to Hugh and Clora Warner. Jo’s early life was spent in Texas in a variety of communities due to her father’s position as a minister for the Disciples of Christ. Jo earned her bachelor’s degree in Religious Education at Phillips University where she met the love of her life, Charles Van Boskirk. They were married on October 15, 1949 in Topeka, KS. During their 67 years of marriage, they lived in Oklahoma, New York and Arizona. In each of these locations, Jo found her calling. Her work ranged from teaching piano lessons, to being a social worker in a variety of settings, but in every community her greatest love was serving the church. Her fulfillment came through singing soprano in the choir, playing piano, and presenting special programs, but mission work was her passion. She was a Gideon, did jail ministry, provided support to Voice of the Martyrs, and Touch India, even fulfilling a life long dream of visiting India. She was always working in the mission field to ensure that others might know the love of Jesus in their lives.
That love for Jesus she held so dear was made real though her love for others and her life was indeed a living response to the question - What does the Lord require of me? To do justice, and love mercy and to walk humbly with her God were the touchstones of her life. Whether advocating for migrant workers, gathering toys for disadvantaged children at Christmas, or distributing saris to the widows in India, Jo fully embraced and lived God’s calling on her life through Jesus Christ.
Survivors include her husband, Charles Van Boskirk of Enid, OK; three daughters - Sherry and her husband, Daniel of Utica, NY, Debra and her husband, Steven of Enid, OK and Nancy Van Boskirk of Georgetown, TX. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Timothy and Liliya Zotta whose children are Madelyn, Luca and Milan of Utica, NY, Joshua and Elizabeth Zotta whose children are Jeremiah and Rosalie Josephine of Utica, NY. Matthew Zotta of Albany, NY, Nathaniel and Katie Zotta of Utica, NY, John and America Whitfill whose children are Alexander and Zoey, Lindsay and Jimmy Moser whose children are Jennifer Armendola, Matthew and Trinity Jo Moser, Laura and Scott Babb-Corley whose children are Harper and Riley of Lakewood, CO and Amy Babb of Washington D.C. Her beloved great-grandchild, James Armendola preceded her in death. Many friendships were made through the years, and all were cherished in her heart. She counted these friends as family, and we are thankful for the many years of love and companionship they provided.
-
-
. . .
-
