COLUMBUS – Josie Shumake has been named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Columbus Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. The parade will travel down Main Street and back up College Street. This year’s theme, “Christmas in Paradise,” combines tropical or island elements with traditional holiday decorations.
“I’m honored to be selected as the Grand Marshal and to help kick off this year’s festive season in Columbus,” Shumake said.
Shumake, a native of Columbus and graduate of the city’s public schools, retired from the U.S. diplomatic service in 2009 after 25 years promoting U.S. foreign policy internationally with the Department of State and the U.S. Information Agency. She earned bachelor’s degrees in history and English from Mississippi State University, graduating summa cum laude, and holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in English literature from the University of South Carolina.
She has taught English composition at the college level and has volunteered extensively at the national, state and local levels, focusing on education, literacy and civic engagement. Shumake served four three-year terms on the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service, including a term as chair from 2014-2015. She has been a member of the National Advisory Board of the National Civilian Community Corps since 2013 and has served on the board of trustees for the Columbus Municipal School District since 2016, acting as secretary since 2019.
Shumake’s community involvement also includes leadership roles with the Lowndes Community Foundation, the Friends of the Library, the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits and First Presbyterian Church. She contributed to recovery efforts following the 2019 EF-3 tornado in Lowndes County and has received recognition for her volunteer work, including the Exchange Club’s “Andy Morris Book of Golden Deeds” and the City of Columbus’ Ernest Brown “Good Change” award.
“As you can see, Jo is truly representative of volunteerism and has devoted many, many hours to service to our nation, state and community,” adds Main Street Columbus Executive Director Barbara Bigelow.
“We are truly honored and blessed to have someone of her background who has a willingness to give of her time to our community.”
The parade is open to local churches, community groups, businesses and individuals. Applications to participate are available online at columbusmainstreet.com or by calling (662) 328-6305.
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