Josephine Gloria (Greene) Mitchell

Josephine Gloria Mitchell (nee Green) was born March 14, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. As a child, she attended St. Anselm Grammer School, where she graduated in June 1949, under the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament. Gloria entered St. Elizabeth High School for one year, but later moved to San Diego, California where she graduated from Regina Coeli Academy High School in June 1953. In September 1953, shortly after completing her general academic studies, Josephine enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. She proudly served her country for three years and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. She was awarded with the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Gloria traveled back to Europe as a Service Director and had plans to stay until she met and married Reid Mitchell. They were united in holy matrimony while in Augsburg, Germany, and then solemnized their vows again in 1965, in Columbus, Ohio. Josephine furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State College, and a Master’s in Social Work from The Ohio State University. She was always conscious of the time she lived in. As a result of the protest at Kent State where students were shot, Josephine and some of her fellow students demonstrated their solidarity by refusing to walk across the graduation podium during the commencement exercises where she was to receive her Master’s degree. Within her tenure as a social worker, Josephine spent some time working at the Training Institute of Central Ohio (TICO) and was later hired on at the Children’s Hospital Guidance Center, where she finished out her career. She developed many programs during her stay at the Guidance Center. Between her fellow staff members and the numerous patients she encountered, Josephine was able to touch many lives. Additionally, she enjoyed working with her daughter on a leadership program, as well as a presentation for Professional Day at the Columbus branch of the Project Management Institute. Some of her other notable achievements include her volunteer social services with the ECCO Family Health Center (1970-1974) and being named the first recipient of the Warren B. Jennings Award (1988). On Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the age of 79, Josephine G. Mitchell departed this earthly life while at The Mount Carmel East Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband Reid, her mother Lenora Frierson, brothers, Leon Frierson and Gregory Frierson, and sister Lola Frierson. Josephine leaves to cherish her life’s memories, her daughter Carol Mitchell; grandson Reid Mitchell, II; sister Blanche Banks; brothers, Damon Frierson, Eric Frierson, and David Frierson; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.