Josephine Y. Sullivan, MD

Class Year

1949

Affiliation

Alumni

Posted on: February 19, 2018

Dr. Josephine Young Sullivan, MD (lovingly known as Josie, Babu, or Dr. Jo) passed away on January 23, 2018 at her home in Greer, South Carolina.

Josephine was born in Suzhou, China on November 2, 1924 to medical missionaries, Dr. Mason P. Young, MD and Mrs. Louise O. Young. She lived in China until she completed Shanghai American School, then she returned to the United States to attend Agnes Scott College, graduating in 1944. In 1949, Josie graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine where she met her husband Francis, a fellow medical student. After residency training, the couple moved to Greer in 1954 to set up medical practices and raise their family. Josie practiced anesthesia for 24 years, 20 of those at Allen Bennett Memorial Hospital in Greer.

Josie will be remembered for her humility and selfless service to others. Her volunteer activities included Greer Community Ministries, Taylors Free Medical Clinic, Greer Memorial Hospital, Camellia Garden Club, Daily Bread Ministries, and Habitat for Humanity. Josie was the recipient of the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award and the South Carolina Ageless Hero Award. She was involved in Masters Track and Field from her 60’s to her early 80’s. During that time she set a world record for her age group in the Triple Jump.

Josie is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Francis S. Sullivan, MD. Surviving are one son and daughter in law; five daughters and three sons in law; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joshua’s Way (Project Ethiopia Medical Assistance to the Poor) P.O Box 1605 Greer SC 29652.