bill hosey
1905-1975
Life Story
Early Life and Family Background
Bill Hosey was born on July 27, 1905, in Newton County, Mississippi, to Deamon Hosey (1880–?) and Jerlean Hosey (1886–?). He was raised within the rural Black farming community of Newton County during the early twentieth century, a period marked by limited economic opportunity but strong kinship and church ties.
Marriage and Family
Bill Hosey married Ceola Rigsby of Newton County. From this union, six children were born. At the time of his death, his surviving children included:
- Jessie M. Smith of Forest, Mississippi
- Gladys Earvin of Mt. Dora, Florida
- Assenia McBride of Mt. Dora, Florida
- Myra Garry of Mt. Dora, Florida
- Doris Hosey of Mt. Dora, Florida
- Bill Hosey Jr. of McLain, Mississippi
- James Hosey of Orlando, Florida
His family extended across Mississippi and Florida, reflecting the broader mid-century migration patterns of African American families seeking employment and stability beyond rural Mississippi.
Church Affiliation and Faith
At an early age, Bill Hosey united with Sand Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful and active member throughout his life. His commitment to church life and Christian service was a defining aspect of his identity within the community.
Later Life
In his later years, Bill remained closely connected to family, church, and community in Newton County. His life reflected continuity—remaining rooted in place even as many of his children established lives elsewhere.
Death and Burial
Bill Hosey passed away on May 17, 1975. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 21, 1975, at Saint John Baptist Church, with Rev. Purvis Moore, pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. Daniel Hayden and Rev. George Smith. Tributes honoring his Christian life were offered by Landy Chapman and others.
He was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard, with Mapp Funeral Home directing services. Pallbearers were deacons of the church, reflecting his standing and respect within the congregation.
Interpretive Sidebar: Church as Community Anchor
Bill Hosey’s life illustrates the central role of the Black church in rural Newton County. Beyond worship, churches such as Sand Ridge and Saint John served as places of continuity, leadership, and dignity—especially for men whose lives unfolded largely outside public record except at death. The use of church deacons as pallbearers underscores the esteem in which he was held by his faith community.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Bill Hosey Obituary, Wed, May 28, 1975 ·Page 12
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
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