Mary Jo was born June 2, 1964, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a daughter of the late Joseph Louis Fava and Rosa Marie Mangialardi Fava. She was a graduate of Bayou Academy in Cleveland and Mississippi State University where she pledged Alpha Delta Pi.
From an early age Mary Jo devoted her life to one of loyalty and love. Loyalty and love to Christ, her husband and family, her church, her career, and to others. A long-time member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl, Mary Jo held dear her roles as an usher and member of the church women’s group. She also enjoyed cooking for church functions and celebrations. She was a dedicated member of the team at Reliant Energy for more than 29 years. And she and her husband, Nat, spent many hours volunteering, selflessly giving of their time and talents to assist in remodeling the Ronald McDonald House of Jackson and delivering food for the residents there. Mary Jo’s heart for service to others was steadfast and she willingly helped anyone she knew to be in need of assistance.
Her family was Mary Jo’s true joy. She loved spending time with her siblings and to shower attention on her many nieces and nephews. She also was an animal lover and doted on her beloved dogs, Copper, Ginger, and Buddy.
Some of Mary Jo’s favorite times were spent traveling, and she and Nat visited locations around the world. Among her favorite were Europe and Italy, but she also cherished peaceful times on the beach while staying at their home on the coast.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Natale James “Nat” Zummo; sisters, Betty Van Every, and Donna Koerth and husband John David; brother-in-law, Kevin Joseph Zummo and wife Ann; sister-in-law, Carolyn Zummo; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, Friday, November 4, 2022, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Rosary Services will follow at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial Services are scheduled for 10:00am, Saturday, November 5, 2022, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Pearl. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Graveside services will be at 4:00pm Saturday in the Shelby Cemetery, Shelby, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor’s charity of choice.
