Mary Jo Mathison Kinghorn, 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 7, 2018. She was born to Pauline Magness and Roy Henry Mathison on June 2, 1933 in Austin, Texas. On November 2, 1957 in Victoria, Texas, Mary Jo married Lawrence Layfette Kinghorn, Jr.
Mary Jo graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from The University of Texas at Austin and obtained her Master of Education from what is now Texas State University. She worked for 2 ½ years at Foley’s in Houston in merchandizing, taught for the Victoria Independent School District for 10 years and worked for The Victoria College for 27 years as an instructor, Dean of Women, counselor and in other administrative positions. Mary Jo retired in 1996, though, she never slowed down. She enjoyed travelling, hosting parties, and working crossword puzzles. She loved putting everyone before herself.
Mary Jo was active in various committees at First Baptist Church, the First Baptist Church organist, and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Delta Kappa Gamma, Victoria County Retired School Personnel Association and Citizens Medical Center Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her mother-in-law – Wilma Kinghorn, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law – Elsie & Bill Wheeless, as well as aunts and uncles. Mary Jo will be greatly missed by her daughter Elaine Lanier (DeWayne), son Paul Kinghorn (Stephanie), granddaughter Lawren Kinghorn (Dominic Edwards), step-granddaughters Ashley (Ben Smith) and Emily Lanier, and nephews Bill Wheeless (Karon) and Robert Wheeless.
Mary Jo’s requested honorary pallbearers included DeWayne Lanier, Thomas Johnson, Audley Dry, Bill Russell, Alan Johnson, Kelly Whitis and Bill Leske.
The family would like to thank the many friends that visited her and/or prayed for her over the last few months. Also, thank you to the staff of the Citizens Medical Center Skilled Nursing Unit and Hospice of South Texas for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, Mary Jo requested gifts in her memory to any of the following:
First Baptist Church, South Texas Children’s Home, Hospice of South Texas, Victoria College Foundation, Guadalupe Baptist Association.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Victoria, Texas. A meal will be provided for Mary Jo’s many friends and family. She would have loved for her friends and family to celebrate her life around the table. Please join us in her honor.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
