Josiah John-Michael Petry

Amory – Josiah John-Michael Petry, 4, met Jesus face to face on Thursday, March 19, 2020. He was born on May 28, 2015, in West Point, Mississippi to James Edward Hankins and Brianna Jean Paden.

Josiah was a miracle child and gift from God as his mother who was told she would never be able to have children. He was anointed at 6 months by Bro. Huguley and church members while his family was attending Forward Church (formerly Cornerstone Church). He attended Uptown Kids childcare and he was a smart child who loved to pull pranks. He was a social butterfly and enjoyed visiting with people. He was especially close to his mother and grandmother. Josiah was sweet, Angelic, tender hearted, and loved going barefoot outside in the country. While not in daycare, he liked to watch Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Boss Baby and Moana and listening to music which was upbeat.

A fighter, Josiah battled a cancerous tumor in his brain for over a year. He never gave up and inspired his family with his precious smile and great attitude despite all the challenges he faced. Josiah ultimately won the battle as he is now with his Lord and Savior. The smiles, love and laughs he gave to his family and friends will live on in their hearts forever.

Josiah is survived by his mother, Brianna Paden, Amory; his father, Jimmy Hankins, Fulton; grandmothers, Joyce “Chick Chick” Paden, Amory, “Mamaw” Mary Smith, Mooreville; Jean Paden, Golden; grandfathers, “Papaw” David Paden, Belmont, “Papaw” Edward Roberts, Okolona; Floyd Paden, Golden; Uncles, John Harbin, Amory; Nicholas Paden, Tishomingo; Blaine Wilson, Tupelo; aunts, Kristen Paden, Belden; Caren Camp, Becker; Nichole Paden, Tishomingo; Brittany Brown, Iuka; siblings, Zach Hankins, Seth Hankins, Hayden Hankins; cousins, Taylor “Tay Tay”, Kylie, Ryleigh, Blake and Lilly; other family figures include his "Nana", "BopBop","MeMe", and "Dada", Smithville.

Josiah was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Papaw Smith, his sister, Jolie Ann, and his cousin John Reed Harbin.

A Graveside Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Monday, March 23, 2020, at Greenbrier Cemetery, Becker, MS with Bro. Stanley Blaylock officiating.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at eepicklefuneralhome.com