Josephine "Jo" Billings Dickey

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Mrs. Josephine “Jo” Billings Dickey, age 94 of Wilkesboro passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. 

Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, October 10, 2025, at Mountlawn Memorial Park with Rev. Jeff Collins officiating. 

Josephine was born February 23, 1931, in Wilkes County to Monroe and Lona Adams Billings.  She was a member of Hinshaw Street Baptist Church, Jo loved her church and went every Sunday that she could until her health prevented her from attending a few months ago.  She also attended Mtn. View Elementary and Mtn. View High School and had perfect attendance all 12 years.  

Jo was a successful hairdresser for 68 years, retiring in October of 2021 at the age of 90.  She was co-owner of Beauty Bazaar from 1962-2013.  They closed their business in March of 2013.  Jo was asked by the owner of Today’s Hair if she would like to rent a chair and come to work there.  Jo was happy to take the offer.  Being a cosmetologist was her passion and her joy.  She worked there until she retired. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband; Elton Dickey a son; Tony Gentry, two sisters; Fern Elledge and Irene Driskill and a brother; Don Billings. 

She is survived by a daughter; Pamela Gentry-Martin (Chad) of Wilkesboro, four grandchildren; Mark Grayson McNeill (Janine) of Wilkesboro, Daniel Doerflinger (Erin) of Charlotte, Rachael Perez of Florida, Anthony Gentry of Florida and great grandchildren; Nicholas Doerflinger, Joseph Doerflinger, Eli Doerflinger, Jett McNeill, Eva Perez, Stella Perez, Savanna Gentry, step-daughter; Kelly Dickey of Ohio, and step-son; Mark Dickey of Virginia.

The family wishes to thank Jo’s caregivers for the 2 years they gave to her care and well-being.  These ladies added so much to the quality and longevity of her ending years – Vickie Staley, Wanda Wilson, Annie Marley, Marlene Cockerham, Janet Miller Carolyn Kilby and Patti Walsh. They loved her very much. The family also wishes to thank Mountain Valley Hospice for all their loving care.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Hinshaw Baptist Church, PO Bx 3962, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Mtn. Valley Hospice Home and Palliative Care, PO Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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