By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
May 12, 2001
HER DAY Josie Britton, center, a longtime board member of H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital, was honored during a special reception Friday. Talking with her are, left, former U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery and Robert Smith. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star.
QUITMAN The staff of H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital took time to honor Josie Britton, one of its longtime supporters, with a special reception Friday afternoon.
Miss Josie (as she is known in Clarke County) has served on the governing board of the hospital since 1973. This was not a retirement reception because she's not slowing down.
She was the first woman to be elected to public office in Clarke County, serving 16 years as chancery clerk. During that time, she served as president of the Mississippi Chancery Clerk's Association.
After leaving public service, Miss Josie served as secretary of the Clarke County Chamber of Commerce for many years.
Many of her friends came to wish her well, including former U.S. Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery.
A large photo of Miss Josie has been hung in the lobby of the hospital in honor of her years of service.
Miss Josie is a member of United Methodist Church. She lives in DeSoto on the site of her family homestead.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.