Mary Jo Haynes Garner Davis, 89, passed away Jan. 25, 2022. She was born Feb. 8, 1931, to Carl M. and Cecil S. (McCann) Haynes in Richmond, MO.

Mary Jo was a lifelong resident of Richmond.  Mary Jo was an RHS graduate of 1949 (the 49ers).

Mary Jo married Don M. Garner of Richmond, Nov. 4, 1954.  Together they co-owned Garner McCalley Abstract and Title Co. until Don’s retirement.  Don was a horseman.  Don and Mary Jo raised and showed Southern Commander, winner in two classes at the American Royal, two successive years.  They loved and had several Pomeranians during their marriage.  Don preceded Mary Jo in death May 26, 1980.

Upon Don’s death, Mary Jo went back to work at the Ray County Recorder’s office with her good friend Frances Crabtree.  Prior to her marriage, Mary Jo worked for Wilburn Marshal and John Nolker in the Recorder’s office.  After Frances’ retirement Mary Jo ran for office as a Recorder of Deeds and won three consecutive terms.  After Mary Jo’s retirement she then went to work for Burns Title where she was known as “Mother to all people.”

In 1985, Mary Jo married Earl E. “Fuzzy” Davis.  They were married five years until Earl’s death in 1990.

Mary Jo loved playing the piano.  She was Jessamine Stoenner’s first piano student.  Mary Jo was a member of First Baptist Church and the pianist during the 40’s and 50’s.  As an adult, children of the 50’s would stop her on the street and remind her that she was the lady that played for Vacation Bible School. 

Old movies of the 30‘s and 40’s was a passion of Mary Jo’s which she passed on to her daughter Sandy.  She was also a voracious reader.  Traveling was also a passion of Mary Jo’s.  She and Sandy traveled to all 50 states and 19 countries.  A lot of their trips revolved around locations of lighthouses.

Mary Jo was a lifelong democrat and member of Ray County Women’s Democratic Club.  Three of her biggest thrills were getting to vote for John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama and her most important vote, Joe Biden.  One of her most disappointing events was the January 6th insurrection.

Besides her parents, Mary Jo was preceded in death by the afore mentioned husbands and her brother, Wallace E. Haynes.  Wallace gave her a love of baseball.  Mary Jo is survived by her daughter, Sandra J. Burns.

Sandy came into Mary Jo’s life when she was 4 1/2 months old.  Sandy lived with Cecil and Mary Jo until Cecil’s death at which time Sandy moved in with Mary Jo and Don.  Mary Jo and Sandy lived and worked together for the past 30 years.

Mary Jo is being cremated and there will be no services at this time per her wishes.  Her inurnment will be at Sunny Slope Cemetery at a later time.  Any donations wanting to be made in Mary Jo’s name, please donate to the Humane Society of Ray County or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children in Memphis.

Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please to remember to share your memories of Mary Jo by visiting our website of www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.