Josephine Davis was born on this date in 1914, in Winston-Salem, to Richard Thomas and Jeanettie Shermer Davis.
Josephine was born into a large and influential family. Her father, Richard, owned land on Reynolda Road. He built his home on Reynolda Road, and he operated a brick-making business and a farm. Several Davis families also owned homes along Reynolda Road, between Polo Road and the area that is today Reynolda Manor Shopping Center.
Richard dug a pond that froze in the winter and provided ice-harvesting to fill an “Ice House” in the basement of his house. The pond that was formed made a great swimming pond for the family in the summer. This pond was later cemented to form a swimming pool for the family. Later, this swimming and recreation area was opened to the public, and was named Crystal Lake.
Different members of the family managed the public recreation area following Richard, including Harry and Minnie Lee Davis, and Hugh and Helen Davis, Josephines’ brothers and sisters-in-law.
Josephine worked as credit and office manager for Davis Department Store, retiring after 40 years of service. Davis Department Store was a local business, organized and operated by family members.
Josephine was a charter member of College Park Baptist Church. She held many offices in the church’s organization, particularly in the early years of the church.
Josephine married Irvin Washington Grogan Jr. in 1974.
Josephine Davis Grogan passed away in 1995.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
