Billie Jo Harkness Suell

Billie Jo Harkness Suell, 80 of Bessemer, Alabama passed away March 4, 2023. She is preceded in death by her parents, James Harkness, Undine Harkness; brother, Jimmy Harkness; and her much loved grandparents. She is survived by her husband, Pat Suell; son, Michael Suell; grandchildren, Marissa Suell Drake(Chris); great grandson, Brendon Drake; sister-n-law, LouAnn Suell Compton(Steve); brother-n-law Doug Suell(Carol). She married the love of her life, Pat Suell, on January 26, 1962. They were blessed with one child, Michael Suell. She was a graduate of Ensley High School. Billie Jo was kind, compassionate and generous. She was a strong, sometimes hard headed woman who often put the needs of others ahead of her own needs. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove. She was retired from IBM. During her career at IBM, she received several awards for outstanding service and achievement. Her family lived in Pleasant Grove for many years then moved to Hueytown(Concord) where they resided at the time of her death. She enjoyed working in their yard and while living in Pleasant Grove, their yard received the "Yard of the Year" award. She was very knowledgeable of plants and shrubs and took great pride in maintaining their yard. One of her favorite activities was cutting the grass. She would put on her head phones and listen to her favorite music from the 1960's and 1970's. She enjoyed happy, upbeat music. She was a wonderful cook and prepared delicious meals. After retiring, she continued her friendship with several women she worked with at IBM. The group referred to themselves as the "Birthday Girls" and met several times each year to celebrate the birthday of one of the "girls". Her birthday was celebrated last October. A Celebration of Life will be March 9, 2023. Visitation will be at 10:00AM-11:00AM with the service starting at 11:00AM at Patterson-Forest Grove Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow the service at the adjoining cemetery Forest Grove Memorial Gardens. Rev. Jonathan Absher officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Judes, Children's Hospital or charity of your choice.