Billie Jean (Tipton) Amicone, age 94, of Shelby, died early Friday morning, July 31, 2026 at the Arbors at Mifflin following a brief illness.
Billie was born on August 20, 1931 in Johnson City, Tennessee, she was the youngest of six daughters born to the late Aught and Vista (Webb) Tipton. A 1950 graduate of Jonesborough High School in Jonesborough, TN, Billie joined the United States Women’s Air Force (WAF) in 1951 where she served as a typist. During her military service, she met her husband, Leonard Amicone, and they married on May 3, 1952. Together they embraced military life while starting their family. Their six children were each born in a different state or overseas and, after living in various places, the family settled in Ohio.
For many years Billie worked at Cornell’s Laundromat in Shelby where she was well recognized standing in the front window ironing clothes. She looked forward to seeing her customers, knowing precisely how to care for them and their garments. Billie always loved shopping, especially at JCPenney’s, and more recently found great joy in buying things for her great grandchildren. A very social person, Billie never knew a stranger and enjoyed getting to know people. For hobbies, she had loved bowling, watching westerns, and working on puzzles. An avid Cleveland Indians fan, she always looked forward to catching the games on TV.
Billie is survived by her sons: John (Laurie) Amicone of Shelby, Timothy (Michelle) Amicone of Delaware, Ohio, and Mark (Lori) Amicone of Shelby; grandchildren: Katie Amicone (Brian Hall), Jonathan (Kandis) Amicone, Anthony (Jen) Amicone, James (Lauren) Amicone, Matthew (Ashleigh) Amicone, Terra (Pete) Martire, and Erica (Chuck) McGlynn; and great grandchildren: Pippa, Major, Camp, Navona, Knowlton, Rialto, Persephone, Luca, Natalie, Hazel, and Ellis; and other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Billie was preceded death by her children: David Amicone, Beth Amicone, and Leonard Amicone; and her sisters: Maxine Gross, Fleeta Merritt, Thelma Hannabas, Alyne Byrd, and Betty Dykes.
The Amicone family wishes to thank those who provided wonderful care to Billie at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, Arbors at Mifflin, and Southern Care Hospice. Special thanks to Laura Britt, NP at the VA in Mansfield for her loving care of Billie over the years and to Billie’s neighbor and friend, Janice Ferrell, for being so kind and helpful.
Family and friends are welcome on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 11 am. Pastor Michael Padula will officiate the services. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (WoundedWarriorProject.org/Donate).
Condolences may be made on Billie’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Jean and I are very sorry to learn of your loss. Rest in peace Mrs. Amicone.
My thoughts and prayers are with all f you at the loss of your loved one. Cherish your memories of her and the good times.
Billie Jean was the sweetest lady and the perfect southern belle! She always wanted to look her best in any situation! She will be missed!
Billie ironed Kent’s shirts for years. I would drop off a pile and she would always ask me if I had time to talk while she ironed. And those were good talks !
May God bless you all.
I absolutely loved working with her. She was one of the sweetest ladies. Praying for comfort for those who loved her dear. ❤️
Prayers for the family. Much Love…
Mark and Lori, so very sorry for your enormous loss. May time and your loved ones ease your pain. Much love to you both.
so sorry for your loss. my prayers are with you and your family.. I. was a friend on David . abd got to know your mom very well. my God send his love down to your family.. Chris Gayheart.
john sorry to read of the passing of your mom, she definitely lived a full and active life
Billie was so warm and kind. She treated everyone like family. I always admired her cheerfulness and strength. May God bless her and her family.
To the Amicone Family,
John, We were so sorry to read about your mother passing. We hope you are doing well even though you are grieving for your mother. Please accept our sympathies and prayers.
The Ron Nelson Family
To the Amicone family, Losing a mother is not easy. I hope you all find strength in the coming days.
To the Amicone Family sorry for the loss of your mother. I remember how friendly she was way back on Vennum Ave. Cone what a coincidence that my mother Norb’s mother & your mother all passed within 4 months.