Josephine Reed Green

The Early Years

Josephine Reed Green was born on September 9, 1942, to the union of the late Henry Reed, Jr., and the late Alberta Burns Reed. She departed this life on September 20, 2025, at her home in Boyce, Louisiana, surrounded by her loved ones.

Josephine grew up at Rapides Station. She was a regular attendee at church and was baptized at an early age by the late Rev. D.D. Smith. Since her youth, she remained active in many activities and ministries within the church.

Sis. Green's educational journey started at Luckett Elementary. She then went on to attend C.E. Robinson, was a graduate of Peabody High School, and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Note: Sis. Green also holds additional degrees and certifications from Louisiana College and United Theological Seminary Bible College.

Sis. Green married her high school sweetheart, Rev. Dr. Joe S. Green, on October 1, 1962. To this union, three children were born. Together, they built a family rooted in love and faith.

1982 - First Lady Emeritus

Josephine was a deaconess at Mt. Pilgrim under the leadership of the late Rev. James C. Harris, Sr. (Columbus, GA), and at Second Evening Star under the leadership of Rev. Ameal Jones, Sr. (Boyce, LA). She became the First Lady at St. Thomas MBC under the leadership of her husband, Rev. Dr. Joe S. Green. After serving one year at St. Thomas MBC, her husband was elected as Pastor at St. Matthew Baptist Church, her home church, in 1983. During her 30 years as First Lady at St. Matthew Baptist Church, she worked in many capacities within the church and community. She was a dedicated choir member, and she started the Seniors Banquet and the Fashion Show, to name a few. In 2013, she became First Lady Emeritus.

Professional Career

Josephine's passion and life's work was children. She taught Early Childhood Development for over 35 years. She began her career in Boyce, LA. When the family moved to Columbus, GA, she established the Early Childhood Development Program there. The family later returned to Louisiana, where she retired from Tom Thumb Child Development Center in 2000.

Preceded in Death

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Reed, Jr. and Alberta Burns Reed; two siblings, Henry Reed III and Leroy Reed; one son-in-law, Eric Lee Harris; and two great-grandsons, Jordan Cooper and Micheal Harris III.

Leaving a Legacy

Left to cherish her memories are her husband of over 62 years, Rev. Dr. Joe S. Green (Boyce, LA); three daughters: Janice Green Washington (Sam), Jacquelyn Green Harris, and Jennifer Green Williams (Darrell). Grandchildren: Janee' Green, Javaris Cooper (Lauren), Morgan Cooper Harris (Micheal Jr.), Demetrius Jackson, Shundrial Jackson, Samantha Washington, Salisa Washington, and Evan Clark. Great-grandchildren: Jayla Brown, Jaiden Veales, and Jamari Veales. Siblings: Dorothy Woodland, Willie Mae Powell, and Roberta Brown (Odell). Four sisters-in-law: Susie Green, Evelyn Green, Brenda Allen, and Lillian Green. A host of Nieces, Nephews, Godchildren, Family, and Friends.