Josephine Lorentz Erskine, 85, of Atlanta, Georgia passed away peacefully Sunday, April 29, 2012 at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with a long illness. Josie was born January 22, 1927 in Clay, West Virginia, daughter of the late Joseph Mifflin and Beatrice (Stephenson) Lorentz.

A graduate of the class of 1945 from Stuart Hall School in Staunton, Virginia, Josie went on to graduate with a Bachelors Degree from West Virginia University in 1949. A proud life long member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and the Junior League of Atlanta. She also  served on the Board of Directors of the Clay County Bank in Clay, WV until 2006. Josie was a volunteer and advocate for numerous causes throughout her lifetime. A devoted daughter, loving mother and grandmother she lived her life with passion. Josie adored her career as a realtor and formed many treasured friendships selling real estate in Atlanta for over 30 years.

Josie is survived by her daughters: Lorie Erskine of Atlanta, Georgia and Megan Erskine of Atlanta, Georgia, five grandchildren: Stuart Rogers of Atlanta, Georgia, Justin Rogers (Sharlene) of Atlanta, Georgia, Brittany, Taylor and Thomas Erskine of Charleston, West Virginia, one great-grandchild: Isla Josephine Rogers, a niece and three nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Benton Erskine.

A Memorial Life Celebration with family and friends will be held Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 3pm to 5pm at the Chattahoochee Nature Park and Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 2pm at the Reed-Stephenson-Pierson family cemetery in Clay, WV.

Memorial donations may be made to Clay County High School, P.O. Box 729 Clay, WV 25043. Attention: Vickie Holcomb