Betty Jo Richardson, 85, of Lake City, passed away early Monday morning, October 16, 2017 at the Miller County Hospital in Colquitt, GA after an extended illness. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 5, 1931 to the late Ray Wimmer and Merle Schoonover. She was a homemaker most of her life and was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church. She lived in many places while her former husband was in the military and showed dogs in many AKC dog shows. She loved all animals, cooking and collecting antiques. When Betty Jo was 65, she found her birth mother, Mary Amelia Spillers Leonard. A close, loving relationship was formed with her mom, sister and brother. She is preceded in death by her parents and her birth mother; her son; David Espenship and her brother; Thomas Clay Leonard.

She is survived by her son; DeWilton "Puddy" Espenship (Brenda) of Lake City; sister; Patricia Guiditus of Alexandria, VA. Two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; special cousin; Joyce Pack of Little Rock, AR and special friend; Lynn Hackett also survives.

A Funeral Mass for Betty Jo will be conducted on Friday morning, October 20, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at Epiphany Catholic. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.