Sunrise: June 3, 1933

Sunset: January 26, 2026

Favorite Scripture: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

(2 Timothy 4:7)

 Josephine Landis known as Mom, Auntie, and Granny was born in Akron, Ohio, to the late Joseph Levi and Savannah (Blackburn) Stanford. She accepted Christ at a young age at Bethel Baptist Church. She later joined and remained a devoted (since 1951) member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in South Akron, where she served faithfully as a Nurse, Choir member and served as Mothers Board President until her illness. Known for her beautiful singing voice and warm spirit, Josephine touched countless lives through her faith and kindness.

Affectionately known as Mother Landis, she, with her neighborhood 4-H Club produced, directed and performed the Tom Thumb “Liberated Women” mock weddings for many years. Many adults remember participating when they were young.  Josephine taught her children how to become mighty men and women of God. She sent her children to Sunday School every Sunday and she taught her children to Tithe so 10% was given to God no matter how much money we were given on Sunday. Josephine believed in education and advancement when we were ready to move forward.  She taught her children how to work, and she would always tell us never do a halfway job, be complete in what you are doing.  She said this a little differently, so this is paraphrased. She was a consistent voter and worked the polls for many years. Even at age 92 she continued to vote.

Josephine also taught her children how to hand dance, drive, cook, wash, iron, clean and to do everything in excellence. These are only a few lessons and memories she gave over the years. We will miss her, but we know we will see her again.  The family wants you to know we do not mourn as those who do not have hope (I Thessalonians 4:13). Josephine could always be heard late at night in the house singing & praying for her children, asking God, “Let me live to see my children get grown.”  Josephine often told her children of her mother praying for her family when she was growing up, so that tradition and those lessons continue to this day.

Josephine was a no-nonsense person and did not spare the rod of correction. Not only did she correct her children, but some of the grandchildren also received this wonderful experience as well. Even neighbors’ children have memories of her. She did everything a mother could do to raise a proud and respectful family. She introduced her children to God, and that relationship and our walk will stay with us until we see her again.

Josephine attended East High School and University of Akron.  She worked as a nurse’s aide at Akron City Hospital. She also worked at Saalfield Publishing, Mr. Softee, Clouser’s Restaurant, and lastly for the Ohio State University Cooperative Extension Service as a Nutrition Aide. She continually dedicated herself to caring for others. She was previously married to Iverson F. Landis Sr., and together they raised four children:

• Dr. Michael R. Stanford, Sr., married to Dr. Carol A. Stanford of Granite Bay, California
• Sharon D. Williams-Humphrey, Akron, Ohio
• Karen R. Stallings, Akron, Ohio
• Iverson F. Landis Jr. (preceded in death), married to Kim Landis of North Carolina

She leaves behind cherished grandchildren (12), including Michael R. Stanford Jr. (Joan) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Brian Brooks (Debron) of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Denisha Dixon of Granite Bay, CA, Sheron Landis, Shanell Stallings, Shatori Cloud (Douglas), Danon Williams, Silas DaJuan Landis (Shaneen) all of Akron OH, Dora and Michaela Landis of Raleigh NC, Mariah Landis of Tulsa OK, Iesha Landis of Morganton, NC and 13 Great-grandchildren. She is survived by her siblings Leroy Stanford (Dorothy), Shaker Heights, OH, and Geraldine Williams of Akron. She also leaves extended family members Connie Lee, LaNettra Tomlinson, Qwinita Bell, Frederick Butler and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved son Iverson, Jr, brothers Joseph Jr, Jimmie, and Harold Stanford and other friends and loved ones who now welcome her home: Geneva Latson, Wanda Tyner, Lucille Ford, and Iralee Stallworth.

Mother Josephine Landis will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, good neighbor and friend. Her legacy of faith, music, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.