Mary Jo Brown

(From Knell Mortuary)

Mary Jo Brown, 83, from Carthage, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Medical City Dallas Hospital in Dallas, Texas. 

Mary Jo was born on July 4, 1939, in Brownwood, Texas, the daughter of the late William and Idell (Brown) Coker. She was a 1957 graduate of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. She earned her BS in Education from Missouri Southern State College and then her MS from Pittsburg State College. 

She married Joe Brown on August 19, 1957, in Miami, Oklahoma, he preceded her in death on March 26, 2015. Mary Jo taught for R-9 Schools at Eugene Field Elementary School until her retirement. She was a member of First Baptist Church for over 50 years and has recently attended Calvary Baptist Church. Mary Jo is a member of the ADK Sorority and the Retired Teachers Association. Mary Jo is active with the Carthage Senior Center, frequently delivering Meals on Wheels with her companion Dale. Her hobbies included gardening, home remodeling, assisting in administrative work for the Archery club, and collecting artwork, especially Cowboy art.

Survivors include her children, Peggy Ostrander (George), Plano, Texas; Karen Swain (Gary), Naples, Florida; and Richard Brown (Melissa), La Luz, New Mexico; and companion, Dale Staggs, Carthage, Missouri. Mary Jo is also survived by six brothers and sisters, including Linda Hunter (Bo), Brownwood, Texas; Pat Miller (Alvin), Bangs, Texas; Bud Coker (Linda), Gentry, Arkansas; Murselle Macmillan (Lee), Roy Coker, Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Larry Coker, Gentry, Arkansas; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Arlon Coker.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Knell Mortuary. Burial will follow in the Park Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10 am to service time Saturday, February 18, 2023, at the Knell Mortuary. Mary Jo will lie in state at the Mortuary Friday, February 17, 2023, from 9 am to 5 pm for anyone who would like to sign the book and pay their respects. 

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Carthage R-9 Foundation in care of the Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmorutary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the Knell Mortuary.