Josephine Chapman Luquire

Josephine ‘Jo” Chapman Luquire

Josephine Chapman Luquire, lovingly known as ‘Jo’ to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at home in Washington NC, on Monday, June 22, 2026, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Jo was born on December 21, 1938, at her grandparents’ home in Ware Shoals, SC, to Walter Edward Chapman and Louise Loner Chapman. She was raised in Greenwood, SC, where she developed the strong faith, kindness, and a servant’s heart that would define her life. She attended Greenwood County schools and later studied at Greenwood College of Commerce.

Family was central to Jo’s life. She married her high school sweetheart, Charlie Luquire, on January 30, 1962. Their life together began at Fort Knox, KY, where Charlie served in the United States Army and where their son, Jason, was born. In 1964, they settled in Georgetown, SC, where they built a home, raised their family, cultivated lifelong friendships, and spent the next 59 years. In August 2023, Jo and Charlie moved to Washington, NC, to live with their daughter, Leslie, and son-in-law, Cary, where she spent her final years.

Jo’s greatest joy was caring for others. To her children, she was ‘Mama’. To her grandchildren and to many others who knew and loved her, she was affectionately known as ‘Mamu’. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a faithful friend. Her Christian faith guided every aspect of her life and was reflected in her quiet acts of service, her involvement in her churches, and her volunteer work with Hospice.

Few things brought Jo greater happiness than gathering family and friends around her table. She delighted in preparing meals featuring the bounty of the South Carolina Lowcountry she loved so dearly. Her shrimp creole was a favorite among family and friends and was one of the many ways she expressed her hospitality.

Jo had a special affection for children and enjoyed being involved in their everyday lives. She spent many hours reading to them in her grandchildren’s preschool and elementary classrooms and gladly volunteered for carpool duty on movie nights, school events, and countless other activities. As she often joked, it was ‘the best way to get the scoop and stay involved’.

Jo also treasured the lifelong friendships she made with her Ladies Church Circle and her Ladies Bridge Club and the celebrations, conversations, and memories created over five decades together. Sweet memories of Jo will remain blessings to those who loved her.

Jo is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charlie; her son, Jason Luquire and his wife, Micki, of Georgetown, SC; her daughter, Leslie Robinson, and her husband, Cary, of Washington, NC; her grandson, Lucas Luquire, and her granddaughter, Abigail Luquire, both of Charleston, SC; her sister, Barbara James; her nieces, Susan Graves and her husband, Brian; Lesa Johnson and her husband, Ray; Lynn Kalinke and her husband, Martin; Laura Lawler and her husband, Steve; and her nephews, Robert Pettigrew and his wife, Teresa; and John Chapman and his wife, Catherine.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Louise Chapman; her beloved grandson, Chapman Luquire; her brother, John Chapman; her parents-in-law, Dolly and Maurice Luquire; her sister-in-law, Miriam Pettigrew, and her husband, Bob; her brother-in-law, Tommy James; and her nephew, Russell James.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 5-7pm at the Downtown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home, 222 St. James Street, Georgetown, SC, 29440.

A memorial service celebrating Jo’s life, conducted by The Reverend Doctor Frank McCoy, will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 12 pm at Rehoboth Church, 1808 Callison Highway, Greenwood, SC, 29646. The family invites friends to gather in the fellowship hall following the service for fellowship and refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 https://www.stjude.org/; Herbert Memorial United Methodist Church, 84 Forest Avenue, Georgetown, SC, 29440 https://herbertumc.org/; Rehoboth Church, 1808 Callison Highway, Greenwood, SC, 29646; or to a charity of one’s choice.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23