Mary Jo Williams, age 97, of Marion, died peacefully on Saturday evening, March 3, 2012, at the Kingston Residence of Marion following a brief illness.
On April 27, 1914, Mary Josephine was the fourth child of nine of the late John and Hazel (Barnhart) Zeisler.
She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1932.
Shortly after graduating high school, Mary Jo attended college at the Bowling Green State University, where she earned her teacher’s certificate in Elementary Education. She returned to Marion, and started teaching in the Marion City School system at Silver Street Elementary, later moved to Greenwood Elementary and ended her teaching career at George Washington Elementary, teaching the 2nd grade. For over 29 years, Mary Jo dedicated herself to the children in her classroom until her retirement in 1963.
A few years after starting her teaching career in Marion, Mary Jo was eating at Isaly’s Restaurant when she met a young lad, Lowell E. Williams. After a two year courtship, Mary Jo and Lowell were married on June 18, 1939, at the Epworth Methodist Church. Together they lovingly raised a son and a daughter, and shared over 61 years of marriage. Lowell preceded her in death on December 12, 1990.
A woman of faith, Mary Jo was a lifelong member of the Epworth United Methodist Church. She had also been a member of the Eastern Star.
Maintaining the friendships she developed throughout her career in teaching, Mary Jo enjoyed remaining active with the Retired Teacher’s Association going to as many of their gatherings as she could. She also thoroughly enjoyed visiting and catching up her former students over the years.
Snowbirds, Mary Jo and Lowell Sr. enjoyed wintering in Rockport, Texas, for over 15 years. They also enjoyed many travels with the Marion Noon Lion’s Club, of which Lowell was a past president.
Having a heart of gold, Mary Jo “found the good in everyone” and always spoke highly of them. Generous of her time, she also made herself available to others.
She will be dearly missed by her son, Lowell E. (Sheri) Williams Jr., of Driftwood, Texas; seven grandchildren: Kerry Leeman, Derick, Geoffrey, Gene Jr., Lance, Melissa Snyder and Katrina Atteberry; fifteen great-grandchildren: Allie and Jonathan Miertschin, Chrysania, Tiffany, Kirstin, Kristah, Melinda, Kayla, Robbie, Stephen, Jayden, Mikaela Snyder, Nathan, Stephanie and Jacob Atteberry; three siblings: Jack Zeisler of San Diego, California, Marjorie Hidgon of Charleston, WV, and Donald (Marie) Zeisler of Marion; numerous nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Lowell Sr.’s twin, Louise Haley of Marion; and by her caretaker and friend of 25 years, Brenda Smith.
Including her husband and parents, Mary Jo was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Anne Snyder; and five of her siblings: Edith Hendell, Marie Meyer, Rosalie Winters, Betty Zeisler, and Robert Zeisler.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life well lived will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Colleen Ogle officiating. Burial will follow in Claridon Cemetery.
Rather than flowers, her family requests that you make a contribution to a P.T.A. group or other group supporting teacher’s or Epworth United Methodist Church.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Mary Jo’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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