Tributes pour in for Doncaster "get a paper" newspaper seller Josie

Tributes have poured in for a popular street newspaper vendor renowned across Doncaster for her bellowing "get a paper" cry after her death was announced.
Newspaper vendor Josie Williams (left).Newspaper vendor Josie Williams (left).
Newspaper vendor Josie Williams (left).

Colourful Josephine Williams was a familiar face outside the House of Fraser store in Baxter Gate for many years, where she sold copies of the Doncaster Star and Doncaster Free Press, urging shoppers to "get a paper" with her booming voice.

And since her death was announced yesterday, scores of people have paid tribute to Josephine, better known as Josie The Newspaper Lady, who died earlier this month at the of 73.

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Posting on Facebook Gary Lee said: "Josie was one of a kind. R.I.P x'

Rona Hetherington wrote: "R.I.P. Josie . Another memory of Doncaster sadly gone. She will be shouting " get a paper" in heaven bless her. She always asked about the children I cared for every time we saw her. Lovely lady x"

Kat Birdie Brown added: "I remember sitting in the subway cafe when I was younger with my mum, Josie would always be in there ready to put a smile on ya face, Rip Josie, x"

And Heather Nicholls posted: "RIP Josie. I remember you selling the Doncaster Evening Post outside what is now Clas Ohlsen . Get your papers in heaven. God bless you xxxx"

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Katrina Spooner wrote: "Aww Josie. Rip. U were part of my Saturday's when I worked on the market with my Saturday job 20 years ago. Always saw you with yr papers xx"

Neil Smith wrote: "Another doncaster character that will sadly missed RIP josie x"

And Rachael Mills posted: "Used to scare me and mum everytime we came out of Littlewoods.. Aw bless her. Rip josie legendary familiar voice."

Dozens of others posted messages and their memories of Josie who sold newspapers from her spot for several decades.

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The former Skellow woman would stand in the street selling her newspapers in all weathers and was instantly recognisible to many with her distinctive sale pitch and patter which could be heard six days a week.

An obituary said Mrs Williams died suddenly on May 11 in hospital.

She was described as: "The beloved sister of Jean, the dear sister in law of Ernest, a dearly loved auntie and great auntie" who would be "sadly missed by all her family and friends."

Her funeral service will take place on May 31 at 2.20pm at Rose Hill Crematorium.