JOSEPHINE T. SANDERS

Josephine T. Sanders, affectionately known as “Joe or Queen Josephine”, was born June 20, 1941, in Hagood to the late Leroy Hickman Sr. and Sinna Thomas Gilliard. She departed this earthly life on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter. Josephine was reared by her grandparents the late Sammie Richbow and Melvina Murphy Richbow. She attended the public schools in Sumter County and graduated from Ebenezer High School. After graduation, Josephine continued to pursue her education and attended Denmark Technical College, Sumter Area Technical College and Francis Marion College.
Sewing, crafts, shopping, planting flowers and attending the Catchall Community Center were the highlights of her hobbies. She loved spending time with her friends and going out to eat on Sundays.
Josephine was a diligent worker. She worked two jobs for many years and held various positions. Her employment opportunities included B.F. Goodrich, Crescent Tools, Sumter School District, Air Cruisers Co., Roy Rogers and held a GS position in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
Josephine accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of the Good Hope U.M.E. Church, Rembert. As the years advanced, Josephine joined Rafting Creek Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the Missionary Ministry until her health declined.
She initially married Sammie Taylor Sr. and they were blessed with three children. Later, Josephine married Willie Sanders Sr. of Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Left to cherish her memory, but not to forget her, is her son, the Rev. Sammie (Minister Michelle) Taylor Jr.; a daughter, the Rev. Carol E. Sanders; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Deacon George (Minnie) Thomas Sr. of Dalzell; and a host of family members to include nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Josephine was preceded in death by a daughter, Helen R. Pearson; one son-in-law, Wayne E. Sanders, her grandparents, great-grandparents, two brothers, Johnson Hickman and Leroy Hickman Jr., and two sister-in-laws.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the home of her daughter, 5756 T B Wright Road, Rembert.
Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Rafting Creek Baptist Church, 3860 Highway 261 N., Rembert, with the Rev. Melvin Mack, pastor.
Wake service will be held from 4-5 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
The remains will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. for viewing until time of the services.
The funeral procession will leave the home at 2 p.m.
Burial will be in the Rafting Creek Baptist Church Yard Cemetery.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.