Mrs. Mary Jo Wilson, 84 of Rochester, the wife and best friend of James Cary (Jay) Wilson, passed away at Woodlawn Hospital, 9:40 am Saturday, January 27, 2024, after a serious fall.

Born on January 2, 1940 in Burket, IN, Mary Jo was the cherished daughter of Elgie and Velma Nelson Vandermark.  Growing up, she shared her childhood with her brother Lyle on a chicken farm in Talma, IN.   With great Tiger pride she graduated with the class of 1958 where she played the coronet in the band.  Mary Jo continued her formal education at Nashville's David Lipscomb University where she majored in home economics.

On September 17, 1960, Mary Jo married Jay Wilson, at Rochester's Church of Christ.  They enjoyed over 63 years of marriage with highlights of park explorations, vacations in Florida, and serving their church, community, and those around them, but mostly cherished time with their children: Stephen, Joel, Alisa and Julie, as well as their grands and great-grands.

Mary Jo loved her Lord while serving and loving her church family at the Church of Christ for over six decades.  As the wife of a preacher and elder, she faithfully dedicated her life to ministering and caring for others by Jay's side.

In the early years, Mary Jo shared her passion for reading as a librarian at the Fulton County Library and drove the Fulton County Library's Bookmobile.  She loved her flowers, whether planted at her home or decorated throughout her home, adding color to her world. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, making many gifts of love for her family and friends.  Mary Jo was also an excellent cook and baker, sharing her culinary treats with her family, church and friends.  Mary Jo enjoyed reading, putting puzzles together and watching Wheel of Fortune, but nothing thrilled her more than getting together with her family and making memories with them.

Mary Jo will be lovingly remembered by her husband Jay; 4 children: Stephen J. Wilson (Penny) of Syracuse, Joel Duane Wilson (Elizabeth) of Mentone, Alisa Brackney (David) of Burton, MI and Julie Piazza (Pete) Clarkston, MI;  19 Grandchildren: Jay Cary (Ally) Wilson, Joanna Weimer (Logan),  Estella Calloway (Shaun),  Rachel Ransbottom (Darren), Rebecca Wilson, Mary Baughman (Zach), Isabella Ault (Ayden), Janelle Wilson,  Gabby  Helvey (Matthew),  Jeremiah Wilson, David Wilson (Meshell), Isaiah Wilson, Jucinda Wilson, Katelyn Brackney, Leneigh Laster (Anthony), Hannah Sanders (Matt), Grace Brackney, Caryann Piazza, Mitchell Piazza; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Mary Jo in death are her parents, Elgie & Velma Vandermark; brother Lyle Vandermark and his wife Carol; and niece Lori Vandermark.
A celebration of life for Mary Jo Wilson will be at 3:00 PM Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Rochester Church of Christ, 120 East 5th Street, Rochester, Indiana. Jim Dillinger, minister will officiate. Friends may visit with her family from 1PM until the time of the service. Private family graveside rites will take place at the Mud Lake Chapel Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rochester Church of Christ,  120 E. 5th Street, Rochester, IN 46975 or Child Place Family Services, 2420  East 10th Street, Jeffersonville, IN  47130.