Elizabeth Joseph

Elizabeth Joseph, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of her community, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the Greg & Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard, Kentucky. She was 90 years old. Elizabeth was born on May 6, 1936 in Leslie County, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Elhannon Pennington & Flora Boggs Pennington.  Elizabeth lived a life marked by unwavering devotion to her family and an enduring spirit of love and self-sacrifice.

Elizabeth graduated from high school in Berea, Kentucky, and carried with her a strong work ethic throughout her life. She was known for being a very hard worker, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to her family and home. Elizabeth’s personality was characterized by her loving nature and tireless commitment to those she cared about most. Her family was always her top priority, and she took immense pride in being involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

A woman of many interests, Elizabeth found joy in listening to country and gospel music, tending her garden, and playing 500 card rummy. She found great satisfaction in maintaining a clean home and preparing delicious meals, reflecting her attentive and nurturing disposition.

Elizabeth’s proudest accomplishments were her roles as a wife, mother and grandmother. Her family remembers her not only for her love and support but also for the joy and warmth she brought into their lives.

She is survived by her devoted sons John R. Joseph and Teresa, Danny Causey and Irma, Donnie Causey and Patty, step-son Jerry Kilburn and Betty; daughter Tammy Adkins and Michael; and the grandson she raised as her own son, Justin Joseph and  Brittany. Elizabeth also leaves behind her siblings Albert Pennington, Finley Pennington, Alice Turner, Recee Pennington, as well as Mallie Pennington and Owen Pennington. Treasured grandchildren, Miranda Baker, Rene Lewis, Daniel Causey, Donathon Causey, Savanah Barrett, Brooke Combs, Eric Kilburn, Jerry Don Kilburn & Brittany Miller & a host of great-grandchildren. Their lives were deeply enriched by her presence, and they will carry her memory forward with great love.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband, Raleigh Joseph; her daughter, Teresa Joseph; her parents, Elhannon and Flora Boggs Pennington; and her brothers Willie Bill, Ben, Ray, Columbus, and Elisha Pennington. She was also predeceased by her sisters Stella Johnson, Loretta Lewis, Marie Howard, Ann Caldwell, and Hettie Langdon.

To honor the life of Elizabeth Joseph, a visitation will be held at Dwayne Walker Funeral Home located at 155 Hickory Street in Hyden, Kentucky, on Monday, June 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., also at Dwayne Walker Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Joe Lewis officiating,  Miranda Baker, Elizabeth's granddaughter will be delivering the eulogy. The interment will follow in the Raleigh Joseph Cemetery, Wooton, KY.  The following will serve as pallbearers, Daniel Causey, Justin Joseph, Ryan Miller, Keith Lewis, Liam Baker & Michael Adkins.

Elizabeth Joseph’s legacy of devotion, hard work, and boundless love will remain a guiding light for her family and all who knew her. Her memory endures in the hearts she touched and the family she treasured deeply.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Elizabeth's caregivers, Angela Spurlock and Pam Hensley.