Mary Jo (Masingill) Whittington

Mary Jo Whittington

SANTA FE – Mrs. Mary Jo Whittington passed from this life Wednesday afternoon, December 28, 2022, in Santa Fe.

Mary Jo was born January 7, 1938, in Natachitoches, Louisiana to AC and Jo (Alford) Masingill.  From an early age, Mary Jo knew she wanted to work with children. She attended Northwestern State University in LA and earned a Masters in education. Her silly personality and gentle heart made her the perfect teacher. Mary made her way to Texas where she worked for several local school districts and taught many grades, but 1st grade was her favorite. She was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church where she also sang in the choir. Mary Jo had a wonderful voice, and she sang every chance she could. She loved to listen to music and praise the Lord. As a devoted Christian, she brought many people to Christ. She was easy to talk to and showed guidance to others when they really needed it. Mary Jo was an educator, entertainer, and storyteller – a combination which made her the perfect mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. We know that she’s singing in the heavenly choir now and one day we’ll hear her sweet voice again.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Curtis Masingill.

Survivors include her son, Curt Whittington and wife, Jeanne; daughter, Jeanie O'Grady and husband, Danny; sister, B. J. Mork and husband, Steve; grandchildren, James Cummings, Christi O'Grady, Tim O'Grady and wife, Lynzi, Shelby Whittington, Brian O'Grady and wife, Shelbi, Joseph Whittington; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Connor, Kyler, Kannon, Lanei, Lemmei, Emberly, Truly; cousin, Carrie Hinze and husband, Ken; nephew, Tyler Mork and his wife Colleen and lifelong friend of 50 years, Peggy Kelly.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2023, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas, with Reverend  Paul Meiller officiating. 

Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Mary's Name to Backpack Buddy, Post Office Box 384, Santa Fe, Texas 77510.  

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