Mary Jo Wright

(From Parker Mortuary)

Mary Jo Ann Wright, age 76 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 following a short illness. She spent the majority of her life battling the pain and debilitation of rheumatoid arthritis, and now she is pain free. Mary Jo was born November 25, 1947 in Mason City, Iowa to the late Harold and Dorothy (Thomas) Wass.

At an early age, Mary Jo moved with her family to Joplin where she attended school and graduated from Joplin High School with the class of 1966. She went on to attend cosmetology school, however eventually worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator for many years in the Joplin area. 

Mary Jo was known as the “Voice of Eagle Picher” where she worked for several years. She would later work for other local businesses like Arvest Bank, Hook-Up Trucking to name a few. Mary Jo was an active member of Forest Park Baptist Church of Joplin where she and JK have attended for many years.

On December 27, 1971, Mary Jo married JK Wright, Jr. in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. To this union came a family that she was very proud of and loved to spend as much time as possible with.

Although quiet, soft-spoken, and very kind, she loved her family fiercely and was wholly devoted to them and their busy lives. JK and Mary Jo enjoyed traveling from coast to coast, visiting 49 of the 50 states. She was mesmerized by the beauty of Bangor, Maine, and it always remained one of her favorite places on earth. 

Together, they remained vigilant and truly enjoyed the extra-curricular activities of the children and grandchildren including football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, archery, gymnastics, color guard, cheer, track & field, shodeos, dance, band, and orchestra. 

One of her greatest joys was shopping for gifts for her family during the holidays, baking holiday cookies with the grandchildren, making homemade ice cream for the family 4th of July celebration, or making a grandchild’s favorite food for their birthday - anything from five pounds of mashed potatoes to homemade beef jerky. She also cherished her “girl trips”, whether it be shopping or to a Keith Urban concert, with her sister and best friend, Patty.

Survivors include her husband, JK Wright of the home; son, Doug Wright (Lynn) of Carthage; daughters, Shantel Ralston (Doug) of Carl Junction, Sharell Eddy (Mitch) of Carl Junction, Jacque Boyer of Joplin; 10 grandchildren, Dakotah Questelle, Amanda Swanson, Dustin Satterlee, Ben Wright, Cole Satterlee, Ty Satterlee, Brett Boyer, Zoe Satterlee, Emmyrson Questelle and Marissa Boyer; 4 great-grandchildren, Malakai, Raimana, Dawson and Sereana; sister, Patty Forkner of Joplin; brother, Larry Wass of East Wenatchee, Washington; several extended family and many close friends.

Other than her parents, Mary Jo is preceded in death by a son in-law, Mike Boyer.

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church in Joplin with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. up to the start of service. Burial will follow at Osborne Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.