Mary Jo. Whaley

She was born on June 24, 1934, to Frank and Rosa Mae (Elkins) Lamar in Savannah, TN and was the eldest of twelve children.

She was preceded in death by both parents, husband of 50 years, Alton Whaley, and siblings Jackie, Paul, Jerry, Gustava, and Gene. She is survived by siblings Richard, David, Sarah, Dale, Phillip, and Paula and her three loving daughters Karen Janice Smith, Sherri Rose Willis and Lori Beth Maddox. She was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren, Tommie Lee Smith (Melina), Katrina Elise Maddox, Michael Jerron Smith, William Cody Willis (Alicia), Jesse Glen Willis, and great grandmother to Andrew Jalen Smith, Matthew Jason Smith, and Declan Cole Willis.

Mary Jo grew up in Northern Alabama before moving back to Tennessee with her family in 1962. She was a longtime member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, TN and most enjoyed gardening, sewing, and caring for her grandchildren.

Visitation Saturday from 1 pm till 3 pm. Celebration of Life for Mary will be held Saturday, at 3:00 PM at Hermitage Funeral Home with Tommie Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).