Billie Strong

BILLIE JO McCLENDON STRONG, age 81 , of Springville, Al, passed away March 8, 2018.

Having lived in Birmingham most of her life, she and her beloved husband, Tommy, moved to Springville in 1993. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Springville.

Jo was employed at The Birmingham News for 39 years as administrative assistant to the editor of the paper. During those years she served on the Board of the Alabama Partners of The Americas, an organization which supports health, education and cultural developments between Alabama and Guatemala. She was officially presented with a resolution from the State of Alabama for assistance and contribution toward building a rehabilitation hospital for earthquake victims in Guatemala. Her dedication toward that effort won her recognition in the Congressional Record in Washington. She served as secretary/treasurer of the Quota Club, a service club; secretary, the Memorial Fund for the Four Children; certificate of merit, the Media Planning Board of The University of Alabama. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, making many trips abroad and the U.S.. They enjoyed spending special times together and with their family who they loved dearly. She enjoyed cooking and planning big meals for family on special holidays and birthdays.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Pearlie and Wallace McClendon; husband of 51 years, Thomas Donald Strong; her brothers, Jasper, Everett and Charles William McClendon; and sister, Frances Louise Brothers. Survivors include her sons, Donald Keith Strong and Michael Lane Strong, daughter- in- Law Vicki Strong and her cherished granddaughter, Anastasia Catherine E. Strong; step-grandchildren, Joseph and Jonathan Cason; Sarah Cason Thomas (Shane); two sisters, Helen Inez Wood of Altoona and Eyvonne Violet Rich of Southside; and a host of much loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens March 13, 2018, with Dr. Chip Thornton officiating. Visitation from 11 am to 12 pm and memorial services at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Springville or the American Cancer Society.