Josephine Pompey
July 12, 1948 - February 4, 2025
Josephine at the Great Wall of China, Beijing, China
Obituary
Josephine Pompey, 77, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025. She was born on July 12, 1948. Josephine graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She initially worked as a food chemist with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, but she spent the majority of her adult life as an analytical chemist with the Department of Health at the Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline, Washington. There, she specialized in radiochemistry and the quality review of analytical data.
A devoted member of her community, Josephine frequently volunteered for various charities, including the United Way Learning Impact Council, the Ravenna-Bryant Neighborhood Council, and the March of Dimes. She was also an active supporter of local performing arts groups and enjoyed volunteering at theaters and musicals, which allowed her to meet new people and appreciate the performances.
Josephine dedicated her time and resources to numerous charitable organizations, with a special focus on supporting children’s education in the sciences. As a strong advocate for improving education for minorities, she made financial contributions to charities in her father’s community of Mobile, Alabama.
In addition to her community involvement, Josephine had a passion for travel and cherished her trips to China and Australia. She attended many professional meetings and participated in several workgroup committees. As an active member of an international investment club, she loved sharing her expertise and experiences in personal finance, investing, and travel with her colleagues, friends, and family.
In 2019, Josephine received an Outstanding Citizen Award from the Police Guild in recognition of her many contributions to the community.
Josephine is survived by her brother, Eddie Lee Pompey. She was predeceased by her parents, Allen and Mattie Lee Pompey, and her brother, James Allen Pompey. Donations in her memory may be made to the Central Alabama Community Foundation.
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- Josephine at the Great Wall of China, Beijing, China
Rest in peace Josephine 🙏🏽
Josephine was always a kind, caring person! Whenever she travelled, she would bring me something back – a keepsake from all the places she visited. We worked together at the WA State Public Health Laboratories for many years. I always enjoyed talking to Josephine – she was such an interesting person with so many delightful stories to share. I will miss her, but I do have fond memories of her to cherish.
The phrase “standing on business” perfectly captures Josephine’s character. She stood firm in her values, convictions, and commitments. Her resilience and determination were truly remarkable, especially considering the challenges she faced as an educated and commanding Black woman. As a military child, she moved frequently across the USA and the world during the Jim Crow era, which made it difficult for her to establish deep roots and lasting friendships.
Despite these obstacles, Josephine excelled in the field of science and technology. She graduated from an Ivy League university and built a successful career as a chemist.
I’ll truly miss our long chats, but I know the wisdom she shared will be a gift to future generations. Whenever I call out to my granddaughter, Josephine, I can’t help but remember my cousin’s smile and laughter. Rest in peace. You so deserve it!
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Dolly Williams
Rest in Peace and Beauty, Josephine. I enjoyed working with you at the PHL.
Josephine was a truly thoughtful and caring person. I’ll always remember her friendly smile whenever we crossed paths in the halls of the ELS at the Public Health Labs. Her generosity touched me deeply when she thoughtfully selected baby gifts during my pregnancy – a gesture that spoke volumes about her kind heart. May she rest in peace, and may her legacy of warmth and kindness live on in all who knew her
Josephine: you will be missed. I enjoyed our many discussions and talks….especially the ones about my daughters in Alaska!!!! You were kind to many other folks. I am glad I was able to work with you and help you out after you left the PHL.