Mary Jo Watts Guffey, 79, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, passed into the joyous reunion of Gloryland on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, while surrounded by her devoted and loving family.
A resident of the Dade County area for more than 60 years, Mary Jo was born in Scottsboro, Al. to Dallas Freeman "Buddy" Watts and the former Reba Frances Hendrickson. The family had North Alabama roots; however, they lived in Gary, In., where Mary Jo's father worked in the steel industry.
At around the age of 16, Mary Jo received the baptism of the Holy Ghost in the basement of the old Black Oak Church in Black Oak, In. From that day until her last, she dedicated her life to serving her Savior.
In 1960, Mary Jo married the man of her dreams, Kenneth Wayne Guffey, and to this union was born two lovely daughters, Lisa Gaye and Deanna Lynn. Mary Jo was a nurturing and attentive mother, who taught her daughters many skills that would serve them well in their adult lives, as well as how to love and respect their father, and most especially, how to honor God through an humble and modest life.
Mary Jo was a devoted and loving wife to Wayne, whose many tasks and responsibilities throughout their lives kept the couple busy and on the go. Wayne was a prolific songwriter and was very active in the world of convention singing, serving as moderator for various singings and even as national president in 1997. He taught many singing schools and helped promote convention singing for many years; and at his side through it all, was a faithful and loving wife.
While her children were in school, Mary Jo often volunteered and substituted in the school. She worked very hard in the Scenicland Church, cooking for the church dinners, as well as for the sick, bereaved and widowed throughout the community, where she and Wayne lived for so long. Mary Jo's reputation as a wonderful cook was widespread throughout the church, the community and even across various state lines, due to her support of the dinners at singing conventions.
Almost exactly a year ago, this beautiful couple were parted only by death when Wayne finished his battle with cancer on May 29, 2021. Mary Jo kept those sacred wedding vows that she and Wayne had taken together more than 60 years prior. She had stood by his side in health, and never left his side in sickness. The grief of her children is buffered by the comfort in knowing that she will now be laid to rest beside their father, and that together they will be raised to meet their eternal reward in Heaven.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents, Buddy & Reba Watts; and siblings, Shirley Mason, Donald "Donny" Watts and Judy Isbell.
She is survived by her adoring children, Lisa Bailey and Dee & Jeff Duke; grandchildren, Nicole & Chad Floyd, Cressida Bailey and Katie Jo & Brandon Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Zoe Floyd, Xander Floyd, Arlee Daniels, Olivia Daniels and Jax Kinsey; sister and brother-in-law, Kay & Mike Neal; honorary son, Ervin Thomas; and a host of extended family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 27 from noon-2 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Trenton, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Bro. William Cantrell and Bro. Jeff Duke officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Hills Memorial Park. All times are eastern.
The service will be livestreamed at www.discoverdade.com/moorestream.