Josephine (Jo) Marie Smith-Stratton (nee Tullis), 90, of Lakeland, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25st, 2018. She was born November 30th, 1927, the daughter of Henry Tullis and Minnie Aldridge-Tullis; she was one of twelve children. Jo grew up in the Brandon and Riverview area where she and her late husband (Clifford "Smitty" Smith) lived, worked, and raised their three children before moving south to make Okeechobee their home. Years after the death of her husband, Jo met and married Paul Stratton, also of Okeechobee and eventually relocated to Lakeland where they spent their remaining years.
Jo is survived by her husband, Paul Stratton; two children, Thomas "Tommy" Smith (Sandra) of Lake Wales and Dennis "Denny" Smith (Norma Jean) of Brooksville; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her daughter, Judy, and her granddaughter, Crystal.
Jo was a kind and caring person who loved spending time with her family, visiting with friends and neighbors, and chatting with loved ones on the phone. She enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her beautiful flowers. Jo was also a talented seamstress who loved sewing clothes and crocheting. She loved to travel, cook, and was a devout Baptist with tremendous faith. Jo never met a stranger as she welcomed all into her heart and life. Her smile would brighten even the darkest room and her laugh lifted the spirits of those who surrounded her. The joy and love she gave to others is immeasurable; she will be greatly missed and carried in the hearts of all who knew her.
Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. There will no longer be any mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things have passed away."