Mary Jo Garner

Mary Jo Garner, 80, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2009, at her home in Commerce.

Mary Jo was born May 6, 1928, in Wichita Falls, TX, to W. L. McCord Sr. and wife, Etha. She was preceded in death by her husband, B. J. Garner, her parents, a brother, Lee Bernard, a baby brother, Billy Gene, additional brothers: W. L. McCord Jr and Cpl. Carl McCord; a sister, Mickie Brooks and husband, Dillard; and Paul Killingsworth of Wylie.

She is survived by Rob Killingsworth and wife, Cathy of Point; Brad Killingsworth and wife, Wanda of Lewisville; Howard Killingsworth and wife, Valeria of Dallas; Frank Killingsworth and wife, Melanie of Lucas; and, Jennette Killingsworth Burnett and husband, Berry of Commerce.

Mary Jo married her beloved husband - Billy Joe (B. J.) Garner and added step-children: Johnny and wife, Annette of Rowlett; Ronnie of Garland; Donna Albright and husband, SMSgt Reynold of Scott AFB, IL; and Thomas Garner of Garland. She has 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

She retired in 2000 from thirty-six years in Elementary teaching in Wylie, Garland, and Cumby. She was a member of the Old Concord Baptist Church.

Mary Jo and her siblings were raised in the Presbyterian Orphans' Home in Itasca. She graduated Valedictorian from IHS. She completed college at TSCW in Denton and received a B. S. Degree in Elementary Education.

One year, she was a wife, mother, teacher, Mayor Pro Tem of Sachse, and a Reserve Deputy of Dallas County.

She left behind many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2009, in the chapel at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home in Commerce. Burial will follow in Rosemound Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday prior to the funeral services.Officiants will be Jerry Bivins, Bill Hazelip, and Garry Griffin. Music will be provided by David Johnson.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.