Mary Jo Weatherly

LEXINGTON – Mary Jo Weatherly, 87, died at a care facility in White Rock, SC on August l6, 2012 from complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

A career civil servant, Ms. Weatherly broke gender barriers at the U.S. Postal Service in l975 when she became the first woman in her office to be promoted to management. After starting work as a clerk-stenographer, she later served many years as a superintendent of employment and services for the postal service in Columbia, SC.

Born and raised in Bennettsville, SC, Mary Jo was the only daughter of the late James Edward and Wixie Baldwin Weatherly. She studied at Winthrop University.

For over fifty years, Mary Jo was a devoted member of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church and a mainstay of the choir. Though incapacitated during her last years, Mary Jo remained on the prayer list of the church, and Pastor Wayne Horne continued to visit her faithfully. The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Trenholm Road United Methodist Church for their ongoing care and concern.

Mary Jo is survived by her nieces; Frances Weatherly Kleckley of Lexington, SC and Pamela Jo Weatherly Barnette of New Smyrna, FL; grandnieces and grandnephews, Kathryn Kleckley of Hilton Head, SC, Allen Kleckley of Edisto Island, SC, Nicole Barnette of Orlando, FL and Crystal Cochran of St. Petersburg, FL, as well as grandniece-in-law, Jennie Weatherly of Bennettsville, SC. Mary Jo’s parents predeceased, as did her four beloved brothers, Gordon Edward Weatherly, James M. Weatherly, William Weatherly and Johnny Baldwin Weatherly. Her nephew, James Lewis Weatherly and her niece Lori Weatherly Smith also predeceased her.

There will be a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, 3401 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3223 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 100, West Columbia, SC 29169.