John William Ramseur, Sr.

John William Ramseur, Sr. was born on February 22, 1935 in Rock Hill, South Carolina to the late Mr. James Henry and Loretta E. Mobley Ramseur. He was educated in the public schools of Rock Hill and graduated from Emmett Scott High School. As a youth, he had no intention of pursuing a career in the Funeral Service Profession. From the age of 14, he worked after school and on weekends at his Aunt Johnie Mae Ramseur Robinson's funeral home, known then as People's Undertaking Company. Established in 1911, it is the oldest funeral home in Rock Hill.

John became interested in biology and set his sights on working for the Tennessee Valley Authority after reading about the effects of radiation on vegetation and cattle. However, six days after graduation from Livingston College in Salisbury, North Carolina, with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served for two years. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Rock Hill and joined the family business. He received his degree in Mortuary Science from Eckles College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1960 he became employed full time with the funeral home, and later became the Manager. Upon the passing of his aunt, in 1987, he became the president and owner of the funeral home. Under his leadership, he was able to expand upon the tradition of courtesy and excellence in service to the families he served.

John was a member and Past President of the South Carolina Morticians Association and was the first African-American President of the South Carolina State Board of Funeral Service. He was a Life Member of the House of Representatives of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc.

John was a faithful member of New Mt. Olivet A.M.E. Zion Church and served as a member of the Steward Board. He was formerly the Preacher's Steward and a dedicated member of Wednesday Night Bible Study. He was a 68 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a Life Member of NAACP, a member of the President's Club at Livingston College, and a member of Sterling Lodge #344, I.B.P.O.E. of W. He also served over 20 years on the Clinton Junior College Trustee Board, during which time the school achieved Accreditation, a new library, and various repairs and improvements. He received numerous awards for his philanthropy and outstanding service to the community and to the Funeral Service Profession.

John was preceded in death by his first wife, Essie Porter Ramseur and his second wife Edna J. Ramseur, his sister Alyce Mae Berry; two brothers, James Ramseur and Charles Ramseur; three sisters-in-law, Trumiller Ramseur, Ernestine P. Alspaugh and Mazine Porter, and four brothers-in-law, Frank Berry, James Pauling, Harold Redfern and Larry Porter.

He is survived by his children: Geoffrey D. Ramseur, Michele D. Ramseur, J. Monique Ramseur, Dawn R. Blair (Forshee'), and John W. Ramseur, Jr. (Demetria); grandchildren: Deanene Porte' Thornwell Harvey (Crayman), Camille L. S. Ramseur, Bryan D. Ramseur, Ahmad F. Blair, John "Trey" W. Ramseur, III, Miles D. Ramseur, and Sydney A. Blair; great-grandchildren: Brennan M. Thornwell, Porter A. Harvey, and Sloan A. Harvey; sister: Cyphese Redfern Plair (Bobby); daughter-in-law: Rosemarie Ramseur; sisters-in-law: Estelle Pauling and Patricia Ramseur; a goddaughter that he helped to raise, Alexis B. McCullough, and a host a nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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