Mrs. Josie (Glenn) Gaston

I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me, the crown of righteousness, which the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

                                                                            II Timothy 4:7-8

Josie Glenn Gaston was born August 17, 1936, in Yalaha, Florida to the parents of Ernest Wardell and Martha Boyd Glenn. Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, called her from labor to rest Thursday, January 27, 2022, during her sleep at home.

Josie was the firstborn of fourteen children which included eleven brothers and two sisters. They were a very close-knit family that placed a high emphasis on the importance of religion, education, and hard work.  The family attended church regularly at Shiloh First Presbyterian Church, where Josie served on every level of the church and various boards and committees including financial secretary, youth advisor, teacher, treasurer, organist, elder, clerk of session, moderator for Trinity Presbytery, and commissioner to the General Assembly.

Josie Gaston graduated from Camp Liberty High School and attended Benedict College and the University of South Carolina where she received a master’s degree in Social Work.

She worked for twenty-three years with the Department of Social Services and fifteen years as supervisor of Adult Services.  Mrs. Gaston was very active in various community adult programs, of which one was selected as the best adult program in South Carolina by the SC Department of Social Services.

In 1986, Josie was the first African American female elected to serve on the Fairfield County School Board of Trustees.  She served as Chairman of the Fairfield County School Board as well as a member and State President of the South Carolina School Board Association. 

Josie Gaston was married to the late John Russell Gaston, Sr., and the mother of three sons, John Russell (Jannita), Alexander, and Alvin, two grandsons and great-grandchildren.

Graveside service for Mrs. Josie Gaston will be10 am Monday January 31, 2022 @ Shiloh Presbyterian Church cemetery. There will be no viewing or visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to:

Hudson-Langford Memorial Scholarship Fund

c/o Trinity Presbytery
554 DaVega Drive
Lexington, SC 29703-9405

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