BJ Biddle (Billie Jo Smout)

BJ Biddle (Billie Jo Smout) entered this world on Oct. 17, 1945, in Delta, Ohio.

Welcoming her were parents, Burt and Lenora Smout. The family would grow with brother Rick, sister Peg and younger brother Jeff.

Family was the most important focus in her life. On New Year’s Eve, surrounded by her family and visitations throughout the day by friends, she found rest and peace. Her circles of community involvement are like a pebble tossed into a quiet pond, ripples expanding to many causes, organizations and her passion for service. To include them all by name would give testament to the breadth of her outreach but fail to express her spirit and personality.

Here in this remembrance, written by one of the newest members of the family, it captures the essence of her Aunt Jo and the BJ that we all knew and loved.

“I’ve been trying to think of the best words I can to honor Aunt Jo. I feel like I just won’t be able to do her justice. She was an amazing who loved to help her community and give back. A very strong independent woman, she took after her mother Lenora in her style and jewelry, and freshly done nails! On her visits, she would sit with me and chat about the things she had done her her lifetime, places she traveled. She truly loved life even if it threw in a few lemons. Luckly, she had some amazing friends that she called family. I know they took great care of her because she would tell us about them and what they meant to her. We are going to miss you dearly, Aunt Jo, you are here in our hearts!”

Friends, when you gather in her honor, raised a glass of champagne, and toast the caring friendship she gave to each of us.