Obituary of Josephine J. Tompkins

Josephine J. Tompkins, the first daughter of the late Bishop Edward L. Tompkins, Sr. and Evangelist Leona Tompkins, was born on August 5, 1936, in Fair Hope, Alabama. Josephine, (Jo) with 6 other siblings, grew up in a home where the Word of God was established by example.

Josephine graduated from Monticello High School in 1954 and attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and Howard University in Washington, DC, before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern University. Jo worked for the New York Telephone Company for many years. In 1963, Elder Tompkins and his family moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts to pastor Antioch Temple Church. Several years later, Jo moved to Cambridge to be with her family.

Jo began attending church services and listening to the word of God. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and went on to serve the Church in several capacities.

In 1980, Jo was blessed with an exciting employment opportunity to work as a Human Resource Specialist at Boston University, where she developed friendships with students and colleagues alike. Even in retirement, Jo’s long term friendships continued to flourish. While working at Boston University, Jo obtained a M.S. in Social Work.

In 2011, Jo retired from Boston University and volunteered her time performing multifaceted tasks for a psychology practice agency dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental health. Jo had a penchant for helping others and used her gift to bring comfort to those in need. She found great pleasure in working as a volunteer and advocate for those requiring support and guidance. Jo remained committed to providing assistance in this arena of volunteer work for several years.

Jo remained active and dedicated to caring for the sick and shut-in. She resolved to visit those confined to their homes, hospitals and nursing facilities. She felt that in this service, she was fulfilling her commitment to the Lord – serving those in need. Jo was a faithful woman who loved the Lord, her family, church and community.

Jo’s health began to falter and in February, 2020, her sister, Mary Tompkins became her health guardian and moved her to New York City to care for her. On September 7, 2021, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Jo went on to meet the Lord. She leaves to mourn: two sisters and one brother, Mary Tompkins of New York City, Vanessa Tompkins of Canton, MA and Anthony Tompkins of Dorchester MA, one sister-in-law Eva Tompkins of Monticello, NY, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and Antioch Temple Family of Boston, MA, Christ Temple Church Family of New York City, Bethlehem Temple Church of Monticello, NY, as well as church family members of the New York State, and Massachusetts/New England area.

Arrangements being handled by GEORGE H. WELDON FUNERAL HOME, INC., NYC