A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor MitchelL-Josey funeral HOme for the long-standing and compassionate service to the families of Darlington and the surrounding communities of Darlington County.   

 

Whereas, Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home has long served as a pillar in the Darlington community, providing comfort, guidance, and dignified services to families during times of loss while honoring the lives and legacies of loved ones; and

 

Whereas, the funeral home was established in July 1967, by Mr. Eugene Josey Sr. and Mr. Callis M. Mitchell Jr. and was one of two Black-owned funeral homes operating in the city of Darlington at that time; and

 

Whereas, following the death of Mr. Josey in 1975, his wife, Mrs. Ernestine Wright Josey, worked alongside Mr. Mitchell until her death in 1985.  Ownership responsibilities were continued by the next generation, Ms. Eleanor Josey Sims, a licensed funeral director, and Mr. Douglas E. Josey Sr., who served the community with Mr. Mitchell until his death in 1988.  Co-ownership then passed to his wife, Mrs. Ethel Rogers Mitchell, a licensed funeral director and retired Darlington County educator; and  

 

Whereas, for more than thirty years, Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home proudly operated as the only Black women-owned funeral home in Darlington County, with Mrs. Ethel R. Mitchell and Ms. Eleanor Josey Sims ensuring families received affordable and dignified services; and

 

Whereas, after the passing of Mrs. Mitchell in 2017, ownership continued through her children, Ms. Beverly L. Mitchell and Mr. Lloyd M. Mitchell.  Continuing the family legacy is her granddaughter, Dr. Latoya Mitchell Hodges, a licensed funeral director and Darlington native; and

 

Whereas, now fifty-eight years later, under the leadership of Ms. Eleanor Josey Sims, with the support of a dedicated staff, Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home continues to faithfully serve the community while honoring the legacy of its founders and its enduring motto, "Where Love is Forever"; and

 

Whereas, the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home remain committed to providing compassionate and professional service to families for generations to come.  Now, therefore,  

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home for the long-standing and compassionate service to the families of Darlington and the surrounding communities of Darlington County. 

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home. 

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