Josephine Briles passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021 at St. Lukes Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
surrounded by her children.

Josephine Van Scoyk Briles was born on February 10, 1932 in LeRoy, Kansas to Vivian (Hunt) and Lewis
Guy Van Scoyk. Josephine grew up in the Crandall, Kansas Community where she participated in 4-H
and attended the Crandall United Brethren Church. She attended Rosemound School thru the 8 th
grade and graduated from Burlington, Kansas High School. She participated in Debate, numerous
music groups, won State music competitions, the Kansas Chapter DAR Scholarship, The Poorly Bell
College Scholarship, and graduated Valedictorian of her class.

On June 18, 1950, Josephine married John F. Briles at the Crandall United Brethren Church. After
getting married she moved to California where she and John began a long life together in California's
San Juaquin Valley. To this union was born two sons and two daughters. After attending the
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, John was ordained in the American Baptist Convention and
Josephine entered into a ministry partnership with him lasting more than 50 years in three Churches
in California.

Josephine enjoyed travel with her husband and family throughout the United States and Western
Canada. She was able to take an extended tour of the Holy Land with her husband and friends.
Throughout her life she continued her love of music, taking private voice lessons and college classes in
music. She participated in/directed church choirs, community Cantatas, singing groups, and as a
soloist for special events for most of her adult life. She volunteered for the League of Women Voters
and various church and community groups throughout her life, a reflection of her faith and love for
people. After her children were raised, Josephine began two decades of working with children in the
Avenal and later Visalia, California schools.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Guy Van Scoyk, Vivian and Bob Helmer; husband,
Rev. John F. Briles Sr.; grandson, Matthew Briles, and many loved family members and friends.

She is survived by her children, John F. Briles Jr., Noah (Fonda) Briles, JoAnn Briles-Klein, and Lois (Mike Peters)
Briles; grandchildren, Laura (Dan Luckey) Klein, Jonathan (Melissa) Briles, and one great-
granddaughter, Arya. She is also survived by her only brother, Robert (Alida) Helmer; sisters-in-law,
Mildred Briles and Virginia Mitchell. Josephine leaves behind many much-loved nieces, nephews,
cousins, extended family and friends. She lived a full life and the memories of her love and service to
others will be cherished by all who knew, loved, and were helped by her.

Visitation will be held at the Jones Funeral Home, Burlington, Kansas from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., May
18, 2021, followed by a graveside service at the Crandall, Kansas Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. A lunch will
be served at the United Methodist Church in Burlington, Kansas immediately following the graveside
service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Burlington United Methodist Church, Burlington,
Kansas or Gateway Visalia Church, Visalia, California and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.