Josie C. Hendrix

Josie Carroll Hendrix, 93, of Columbia, died peacefully at home Monday, March 15, 2018. Born March 1, 1925 in Macon, GA to John Lamar and Pearl Youmans Carroll. Josie grew up in Columbia, SC, living on Devine Street, where she graduated from Columbia High School. In 1952 Josie wed Leroy “Red” Martin Jr. Together they founded Quaker Chemical Company in Columbia. Their customers included city and county government, as well as many other major corporations around the country. During her marriage to Roy, Josie learned the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses from her mother-in-law, Marjorie “Granny” Martin. Josie’s application of scripture moved her to dedicate her life to Jehovah and to faithfully serve till her death. Josie proudly retold stories of hosting early baptisms at her home on Lake Elizabeth and was among the Yankee Stadium record breaking crowd at the 1958 Divine Will Convention. While battling dementia in her later years, bible reading and prayer brought Josie comfort and peace. With the passing of Roy in 1971, Josie would continue to successfully lead Quaker Chemical alongside her sons, Marshall, Lee and John. In 1981 Josie married Ralph M. Hendrix Sr., who would become CEO of the family business. In 2007 Josie retired. Nearly inseparable, Josie and Ralph’s marriage was a true partnership, sharing both personal and business pursuits. Their passions included gardening, growing tea roses and bird watching. But most inspiring was their passion and love for each other, each always looking after the others interest. This partnership would last for over 37 years till Ralph’s passing on March 5, 2018. Surviving Josie’s death are her 3 sons, John Bradley Copeland, Marshall Ellison Copeland and his wife Lena, and Leroy Grady Martin III and his wife Georgia all of Columbia. She also is survived by a Stepson Dr. Ralph Hendrix, Jr., and his wife Sara, of Pinehurst, NC. Her grandchildren are Travis Ellison Copeland of Florence, Michelle Lee Copeland, Ashley Truett and her husband Grady, Leroy Grady Martin IV and his wife Emily, all of Columbia, Dr. Jason Hendrix of Wilmington, NC, and Ralph Hendrix, Ill of Michigan. Her great-grandchildren, are Josie Truett, Isabella Truett, Emily Grace Truett, Baby Finn Martin, all of Columbia, Max, Rex, and Trixie Hendrix of Wilmington, NC and Issac and Brooke Hendrix of Pinehurst, NC. A funeral service for Mrs. Hendrix will be held 5 o’clock, Saturday, March 17th, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1009 Fulmer Road Blythewood, with a visitation to follow. Interment will be held 3 o’clock, Sunday at Abner Creek Cemetery, 2461 SC 42-63, Greer, SC. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Pathway Hospice, 3231 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia, SC 29169 or to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. 900 Red Mills Road Wallkill, NY 12589-3223 The family would like to thank Annie Nearing, LaShanda Washington and Josephine Carson, for the many years they assisted them in caring for Josie and Ralph.

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Josie C. Hendrix

March 1, 1925 - March 15, 2018