Mary Jo "Josie" Skelton, 78, of Springfield, MO passed away in her home with family by her side on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

Josie was born on Wednesday, December 19, 1934 in Springfield, MO to Genevieve L. Neil and William Carl Cox. She was a receptionist at Hammers Auto Works and was a member of Crescent Chapter 21 OES and Seminole Baptist Temple. She enjoyed puzzles, Nascar and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; her brother Louis Cox and a son-in-law Raymond Hammer.

Josie is survived by her daughter Paula Jo Hammer; brother James E. Cox; both of Springfield, 2 sisters Alice P. Hass and husband David of Boise, ID and Alma D. Donley and husband Larry of Springfield; Sister-in-law Jane Cox; 3 grandchildren Renee Lenn Hammer, Nadena Layton and husband Sean and Keri Jo Perkins and husband Chad and 8 great grandchildren; all of Springfield along with her pet dog Java and numerous friends and family.

A celebration of Josie''s life will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte Chapel 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave Springfield, MO with interment of her urn to be held at a later date in Hazelwood Cemetery.

Family request memorial donations in honor of Josie be made to Hospice Compassus 1465 E. Primrose Springfield, MO 65804.