Jo Marie Smith

Jo Marie Smith, 94, passed away on June 23, 2023 in Jacksonville, FL. She was born on March 9, 1929 in Leavittsburg, Ohio to Roy A. Green and Marie A. Green . She is survived by her daughters Lynnette Bichsel, Stacey Pierce (Tex), and her son Erik Smith, as well as her grandchildren Jennifer Ruhlen (Bill), Sean Bichsel (Patricia), and Alia Smith, and great-grandchildren Parker Ruhlen, Carson Ruhlen, Grace Bichsel, and Lilly Bichsel. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

Jo was predeceased by her husband Bill Smith, her father Roy A. Green, mother Marie A. Green, sisters Cleola Ditchey, Genevieve Difford, Wilma Pleuss, and brother Charles (Chuck) Green.

Jo attended Leavittsburg High School in Ohio where she was a drum majorette in the marching band. After high school, she became a Secretary (Admin Assistant) and worked at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Warren Ohio as the secretary for the church Pastor. She and Bill became close friends with the Pastor, Walter Schmidt and his wife, Alvena. They spent many New Years Eves together. She also worked for Packard Electric in Warren Ohio for many years and established many long-lasting friendships. When the family moved to Jacksonville, FL, she worked for Ring Power, Multigraphics, and Jacksonville Mack Trucks until she retired around 2009.

Jo was a true child of God and loved the Lord. She was strong in her faith and always made sure that people had a place to go for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would call on old friends to check on them. She was the first person people would see when they walked into church, and she would greet them with her terrific smile.

Jo and Bill attended Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Warren, Ohio where they first met. When the family moved to Jacksonville, they attended Christ Lutheran Church, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, then joined Arlington United Methodist Church in 2000. They were both very active in the church, and Jo made it her mission to contact people that did not show up in church for several Sundays.

Jo's hobbies included sending cards to everyone on their anniversaries, birthdays, and any special occasions until about 2018 when it became too difficult for her to keep up.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32216, on Saturday, July 8th at 12pm. Visitation with the family will be in the Sanctuary from 11am - 12pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the church, in Jo’s name,  Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216.