Funeral services for Leonnie Jo Smith, 93, of Livingston, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2017 in the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas. Interment will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in the Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas.

Leonnie "Jo" Nichols Smith was born on December 6, 1923 in Abilene, TX and was an only child to Clyde and Lila Faye Nichols. Jo's grandparents, Grandaddy and Granmomma Simmons, played a huge role in raising her where she and her family were grounded in commitment to their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Along with many others, growing up during the Great Depression was extremely hard on Jo and her family. She often told stories of the love her Grandaddy showed when he walked the streets daily looking for firewood because their fireplace was their only source of heat as a child. Even with the hardships they endured, her life was fulfilled by the strong faith instilled in her by her family.

While working in the bakery of her uncle's grocery store, Jo met a handsome grocery sacker, Carl, who would be the love of her life. Carl and Jo were married on a 3-day military pass during Carl's service in World War II.

Coming from humble beginnings, Jo was always conscious of using and not wasting any blessings received. She had a servant's heart always ensuring those around her were taken care of and most definitely well fed. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As a grandparent, she was given what became her name to many who loved her dearly, "Binky". And of course, there was "Bunky" always by her side.

Binky loved to read her bible, cook and have family gatherings. Her most joyous times were family gatherings, fishing with Bunky and traveling the U.S. with friends and family in their motorhome.

Above all, Jo "Binky" was a godly woman who raised her family to love and devote themselves to their faith and family. This faith was constant throughout her life and an inspiration to many.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents and husband Carl "Bunky" and grand-daughter Kylie.

Her legacy of faith, love, cooking, fishing and camping will live on in the hearts of her son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Brenda Smith; daughter, Rickie Green; 5 grandchildren Kim (Terry) Truett, Keri (Brent) Keathley, Laurie (James) Henegan, Jana (Danny) Pruett, Whitney (Kelly) Lahr and 8 great-grandchildren Heath, Haley, Kara, Bryce, Stetson, Lane, Bristal and Avery. May her grace and commitment to God be carried on by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers: Terry Truett, Brent Keathley, James Henegan, Danny Pruett, Heath Truett, Bryce Keathley, Stetson Henegan

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com