Obituary of Josephine Lee Shingler

Josephine Lee "Jo" Shingler, daughter of the late Mellie and Willie Lee, was born May 4, 1918 in Bowman, South Carolina. She attended Bowman County Schools, where she developed an early passion for fashion. Jo was always considered a very hard diligent worker. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and began her Christian journey at St. Michael United Methodist Church. Jo relocated to Washington, DC as a young adult. It was in DC that she met the love of her life, Harry "Jr." Shingler. They were united in holy matrimony, by the late Rev. Arthur Shingler, on April 11, 1939. That union lasted for over 53 years, until Harry's passing on May 12, 1992. Jo was the first African-American woman to be hired by Strayer Business College of Washington, D.C. (later to become Strayer University) as an elevator "lift" operator. After leaving Strayer, Jo became an entrepreneur and opened her own housekeeping business. Her clients included prominent members of the Washington metropolitan community. Her last client, prior to her retiring, was Dr. Frank Bolden, the renowned Educator and former Principal of Dunbar Senior High School. Jo had a very strong faith in GOD. She joined Enon Baptist Church over 75 years ago, and served in various church ministries; her final appointment was serving as a Deaconess. She loved wearing her tailored outfits and fabulous hats to Sunday services. Jo enjoyed traveling with the Church, especially to South Carolina. Her favorite expression was "GOD Woke Me Up This Morning." Jo, and "Aunt" Jo to some, LOVED SHOPPING at Thrift and Antique stores. She could spend hours perusing each aisle; and would shop for others just as diligently as she did herself. Her favorite television show was "Judge Judy" and she also enjoyed chatting on the phone with family and friends. She was the repository of events that happened 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 years ago. Aunt Jo had a "sly" wit and could make the stories hilarious! Josephine Lee "Jo" Shingler who was so Blessed by GOD to live 101.5 years, quietly departed this life, Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. The last of Mellie and Willie Lee's children, she was preceded in death, by her husband (Harry); her parents; five (5) Sisters, (Ola Braker Belton, Susie Allen, Bernice Fraiser, Mary Oliver, and Betty Void) and two (2) Brothers (Bill Lee and Odell Lee). Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her Goddaughter, a host of nieces and nephews; grand and great grand nieces and nephews; special church friends and especially her caregiver for the last few years, her grandniece Pamela Amegnaglo. Funeral Arrangements: Family will receive visitors and friends on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Viewing at 10:00 a.m., Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Location: Enon Baptist Church, 505 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002