She attended Ashland public schools and graduated from Ashland High School in 1948. In 1952 she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia.
Upon graduation, she returned to Ashland and was employed by the Ashland Daily Independent as society editor of the newspaper. She met Charles Luellen in late 1952. They were married on July 11, 1953 at First Christian Church in Ashland, in a ceremony officiated by the Rev. Joe Faulconer.
Jo Sydney and Charlie were transferred by his employer, Ashland Oil, to several different cities during the early years of their marriage. In 1967 they were transferred to Ashland and remained there until Charlie’s retirement in 1992. Following his retirement, they moved to Austin and enjoyed many happy years spent with family and friends. They traveled extensively and frequently.
Jo Sydney was a tireless worker who loved making life better for others. She spent many years as an office volunteer at First Christian Church, and volunteered at the Ramey Children’s Home. She spent countless hours at the Boyd County Public Library. She was a lifelong learner, always interested in a wide variety of subjects. She loved the arts, playing the piano, traveling, cooking, entertaining, reading, and meaningful conversations. Her wicked sense of humor was legendary among family and friends. She was especially gifted at teaching her children how to love learning, and passed along this gift to her grandsons as well.
She was a consummate corporate wife, and was proud of being one. She was the loving mother of two daughters, Margaret Briggs and Nancy Bissell; and the adoring grandmother of Danny and Tom Bissell, all of whom survive her, as does her beloved husband of 65 years, Charlie Luellen. Also surviving are her sister Penny Wilk, and her sons-in-law, Mark Ramirez and Steve Bissell, as well as several nieces, nephews, and their children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Nancy Mann, and her nephews Jay Wilk, Ben Mann, and Rick Luellen.
At Jo Sydney’s request, there will be no funeral. Memorial gifts in her honor may be made to First Christian Church, 1930 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY 41101; or to Boyd County Public Library, 1740 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
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