Funeral arrangements for beloved Alcornite, Dr. Josephine Posey, set for January 24, 25

The triumphant life of alumnus and former university administrator, Dr. Josephine McCann Posey will be celebrated during her home going services next weekend.

Expressions by Family and Friends (Wake) along with the Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony will be held Friday, Jan. 24, from 6-9 p.m. at Triumph Church, located on 136 Honeysuckle Lane in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The celebration of life funeral service will also be held at Triumph Church Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m. The burial and repast will be held at Old Hopewell Baptist Church, located on 832 Hopewell Road in Collins, Mississippi. Reeves Funeral Home, located on 1167 Rock Hill Road, Mt. Olive, Mississippi, is handling the funeral arrangements.

An accomplished educator, Posey served as the University’s historian for over 30 years, chronicling the institution's challenges, contributions and successes in three books. She worked in the Yazoo, Covington, and Washington County public school systems and became the first female to serve as the dean of Alcorn’s School of Education and Psychology. Posey was appointed interim vice president for Academic Affairs and spent time as the special assistant to the president, professor, and department chairperson at Alcorn. 

Back in 1970, when Posey began her education at Alcorn, she befriended Vicksburg native Jo Ella Walls, who also graduated in 1970. Walls spoke about the friendship she and Posey shared. She remembers Posey for her genuine personality and humbleness.

“I’ve never had a relationship like the one I had with Josephine,” said Walls. “It’s like we were meant to be friends. She was very down to earth and unique. She never let her degrees change her personality. Hearing of her passing is heartbreaking, and I’m still trying to gather myself after hearing the news.”

Another bond that Posey formed on her journey was with LLJuna Weir, director of Educational Equity and Inclusion and Title IX coordinator at Alcorn. Weir credits Posey for setting a positive example for her to follow in her professional career and personal life. 

“Dr. Posey was not only a colleague, but she was also my mentor,” said Weir. “We’ve collaborated closely on many projects, and I will forever share her knowledge of the history of Alcorn State University and our Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated.”

The Alcorn State University community extends its most heartfelt condolences to Posey’s family and friends during their time of bereavement.