Josie Nevada Henson was born October 29, 1932 in Kilgore, Texas to the late Rev. Albert M. Canida Sr. and Lillie Mae Canida-Jefferson. Josie received her education in the Kilgore School System attending North Chapel School. She continued her education attending Butler College located in Tyler, Texas where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in Music. Josie began her career working for USAA, she than went on to work for The Military Air Force Base where she was a devoted employee for twenty years until her retirement.