Josie Ella Scipio Douglas, affectionately known as "Sissy", passed away peacefully on Friday, January 20, 2023 surrounded by family members and friends following a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Born on January 9, 1945 to Josie Maude (Grant) and Grover Cleveland Scipio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the sole child of the couple.  Upon her father's premature death, Josie and her mother returned to the family's maternal homestead in Florence, South Carolina, when she was nine-months old. Her family's strong roots, combined with her mother's generous spirit and baking talents, quickly established the home built by her grandparents as a hub of hospitality and inspiration in the community.

A third-generation member of Cumberland United Methodist Church, she grew up in the warmth of a loving extended family environment, which included cousins who were like siblings. Her childhood foundation played a profound role in shaping Josie's future reputation as a mentor, friend, and community builder.  After graduating from Wilson Senior High School in 1963, Josie attended then- Claflin College, where she graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.  Josie, and her husband married in 1968, and made their home in Florence. She taught for 31 years in the Darlington County School System during which time she also earned  her M.Ed. ( Master of Education) from the University of South Carolina.

A popular teacher throughout her career, Josie taught elementary and junior high school, including Special Education and students from underprivileged backgrounds. She served as a coach for the South Carolina Special Olympics and took many of her students under her personal wing and into her home as well as to local games and events.

While raising her family, the mother of two daughters could also be found serving her community through her church and various civic organizations, including as an associate member of Faith Congregational Church in Hartford, Conn.  A music lover, Josie sang in several choirs as well as served on numerous boards and committees at her beloved Cumberland. She was an usher, trustee, member of Circle #11 United Methodist Women, now Women of Faith, and chair of the Pastor Parish Relations Committee, to name a few.  A Past Worthy Matron of the Florence Chapter #65 Order of the Eastern Star, Josie was also a member of Epsilon Chi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In addition to her membership in the Florence County Education Association, she belonged to the NOW (Natural Overt Women) Club, and the Debonair Book Club.

Remembered by family, friends and former students as an accomplished educator and leader who demonstrated and taught the meaning of love, Josie is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Arthur Thomas Douglas Jr. of Florence, S.C.; her two daughters, whom she cherished as her "greatest gifts in life," Mia Janine Douglas of Glastonbury, Conn., and Monique Jequetta Douglas of Summerville, S.C.; her adopted grandchildren, Taylor Harrison, Atlanta, GA, and Preston Reid and Pria Reed, Florence, SC; five godchildren, Michelle Glenn Carey, who preceded her in death, Perren Peterson, Rion and Ashley McCain, and Ariel Peterson; her beloved in-laws; Hattie E. Hughes, David Douglas (Vernell), Leatrice Taylor (Alfred), Catherine Harrell; and a host of nieces, nephews, sister friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can made to:

Claflin University

400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115

Memo Section: Josie Scipio Douglas

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