Josie (Jo) Toler Bilbo

April 26, 2019

Josie (Jo) Toler Bilbo went to her heavenly home on April 26, 2019 to reunite with her beloved husband Jonathan Payne Bilbo (J.P.) and her two beautiful daughters, Margot Bilbo Clay and Diana Jo Bilbo. Jo was born in Gloster, MS. May 2, 1921.      

When Jo was about 19 years old, she came to Picayune to visit some friends, and that was the day she met J.P. Bilbo. She was wearing a hat, and J.P. thought she was so pretty, he proceeded to flip her hat off to get her attention. That began the love story which led to a courtship and marriage. 

Jo was an amazing wife and mother. She was a talented seamstress, she had a love for interior decorating and was well known for her home cooking and gardening. Jo was a sunday school teacher, an avid bridge player and a sub deb chaperone. She hosted many bridal showers, was a member of the garden club and was a member of the Picayune School Board from 1952-1955.  Jo was very thoughtful of others and was very generous. Her smile and laugh could light up a room, and she will be dancing in our hearts forever.

In addition to being preceded in death by her husband and two daughters, she was preceded in death by her parents Wyatt Toler and Hazel Beard Toler; as well as sister Jean Toler Jackson and brother William (Bill) Toler. Jo is survived by her grandson Jonathan Lofton Clay, her great grandson, Lofton Payne Clay, and her niece Martha Gretchen McKell. She is also survived by many additional family members and loyal friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 o’clock Saturday May 4th, 2019 at New Palestine Cemetery under the direction of the McDonald Funeral Home.  Rev. Harold Manning, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, will officiate the service.

Obituary, Register, and Driving Directions may be found on the website www.mcdonaldfh.com.