Nelsonville’s Lifelong Advocate: A Glimpse into Betty Jo Parsley’s Journey

If you’ve ever walked through the streets of Nelsonville or attended a community event, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Betty Jo Parsley. A lifelong resident and passionate advocate for her hometown, Betty Jo’s story is deeply interwoven with the history, struggles, and triumphs of Nelsonville. Her dedication to the town and its people shines through her decades of community service, storytelling, and heartfelt connections.
                        
Born Betty Jo Keller in Dayton, Ohio, she moved to Nelsonville as a child when her parents returned to care for her aging grandmother. “I have a true invested interest in Nelsonville because this is my hometown,” Betty Jo shared. “I want it to be the best it can be.” Her deep roots in Nelsonville’s history also trace back to her great-grandfather Gotlieb Nerick, who came to the United States from Germany at eight years old. He worked in Lancaster delivering medical supplies via horse and buggy until he paid off his indentured servitude to the doctor who owned the pharmacy. This story of resilience and determination has left an everlasting mark on her family’s values.

Betty Jo’s love for her community took root early. Her first job as a paper girl for The Nelsonville Tribune introduced her to the world of newspapers. She recalls convincing her mother to let her take a route in the Frog Hollow neighborhood, a decision that would shape her path. Under the guidance of Dick Kunzman, a decorated World War II interpreter and owner of The Tribune, she learned about publishing and connecting with readers. “My introduction into journalism and writing became possible because I was a paper deliverer.”
 
Betty Jo worked on her high school newspaper before joining the Logan Daily News, where she honed her craft for 15 years before moving to the Athens Messenger.  “I have no formal college education. Mine's all practical experience,” she explained. Despite this, she became a trusted voice in the community, writing the popular column Six Public Square, which spotlighted the lives of Nelsonville residents.

Her passion extended beyond writing. Betty Jo’s advocacy helped preserve Nelsonville’s history and improve its infrastructure. From securing historic preservation projects like the adaptive reuse of the old high school into housing to campaigning for a community swimming pool, Betty Jo has tirelessly worked to uplift her town. “You can’t have things unless we work for them,” she said.

When asked about Nelsonville’s evolution, Betty Jo reflected on the changes over the years. She spoke fondly of the St. Mary Hospital, a significant community milestone, and the advent of Hocking College, which she credits with bringing new opportunities to the area. But she also acknowledged the challenges the town faces today. “We are struggling with certain things, but the foundation is here. We just need to focus on the positive and keep moving forward.”

Betty Jo’s deep commitment to helping others is evident in her everyday life. Whether driving friends to appointments or assisting at polling places, she exemplifies selflessness. “I love the people. I love the town. I want to see it be the best it can be,” she said. Betty Jo shared that she could not do all the wonderful things she does without the loving support of her sisters Karen Pidcock and Nickie Blackburn and her children, Nicole, Paula, and Nerick.

Looking to the future, Betty Jo is focused on her grandchildren, who continue the family legacy of hard work and determination. Whether cheering for her granddaughter Hazel at softball games or supporting her grandson Nerick’s wrestling matches, Betty Jo finds joy in watching the next generation grow.

As she continues delivering newspapers for the Athens Messenger and the publication you are currently reading, Betty Jo remains as busy as ever, dedicating herself to the community she cherishes. “You don’t have to be recognized to be somebody,” she said. “All you have to do is figure out what you need to do and how you can get it done.”

For a woman who humbly describes herself as “just Betty Jo Parsley,” she is, without a doubt, a remarkable and indispensable part of Nelsonville’s history and future.

If you want to learn more about Nelsonville’s rich history, Betty Jo recommends visiting the local library’s history room or exploring archives about key community projects.