Josephine Jackson Cairnes, age 74, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Sugarloaf Mountain in Edneyville on December 19, 1950, Josephine was the youngest of 12 children born to Forest and Cora Russell Jackson. In 1967, she married Jack Cairnes, and they shared 45 wonderful years together until his passing in 2012.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Dylan Youngblood. She was also preceded by her brothers, Willis, George, Lloyd, Brownlow, Harley, and Ledford Jackson, as well as her sisters, Rena Gordon, Irene Gordon, and Pauline Woodruff.
She is survived by her sibling, Wavelene Armstrong of Alabama; her son, Kenneth Cairnes and his wife Lori; and her grandsons, Austin and Garrett Cairnes; her daughter, Jenny Youngblood and her husband Mike; and her granddaughter, MiKayla Youngblood. Her memory will also be cherished by her many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and their extended families.
Josephine retired from Clement Pappas after many years of dedicated service. She held a special place in her heart for Blake Kehoe, whom she loved like a second son.
A woman who truly lived life to the fullest, Josephine was loved by many. She carried the wisdom and teachings of the “old ways,” finding joy in gardening, canning, and traveling. She also dearly loved her “fur babies”. To sit at Josephine’s table was to be truly blessed. Her family finds peace in knowing she is now free of pain, resting in the most beautiful place alongside those who went before her.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, April 3, 2026 in The Chapel in The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The Reverend Brian Carter will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Cairnes family.