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Mary Jo Deese of Spindale, NC passed away on Friday, April 1, 2016.
She was born on December 29, 1938 in Marion, NC to George Wilbur Curtis and Erma Carver Curtis Smith and grew up in Old Fort, NC.
She was a graduate of Old Fort High School where she was a member of the basketball team and also a graduate of Montreat College. She worked for many years at Fiber Industries in Shelby, NC and then in the lab at Mastercraft in Spindale. As her working career ended, she attended Isothermal Community College and studied Early Childhood Education. When she finally retired, she decided she would like to work part time and made biscuits each morning at McDonalds. She was a faithful member of Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church where she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles with her friend, Gerry Horne, as well as cooking. She was known far and wide for her German Chocolate Cake, handmade candies and jams and left-handed biscuits. More than these, she always had a smile that would light up any room and an infectious laugh.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Norman "Perk" Deese, brother, George Wilbur "Butch" Curtis, Jr. and son, Billy Deese.
Mary Jo is survived by two daughters, Donita Stewart (Ron) of Belmont, NC, Becky Wright (Doug) of East Earl, PA and son, Curtis Deese. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Her family would like to thank the staff at Gastonia Care and Rehabilitation for their loving care of Mary Jo for the last several months. Special thanks to the staff of Robin Johnson Hospice House for their care during her transition to eternal life. Memorials may be made in her honor to Robin Johnson Hospice House, 5005 Shepherds Way Dr., Dallas, NC 28034 or Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church, 1938 U.S. Highway 221A, Forest City, NC 28043 or the charity of one's choice.
A funeral service was conducted at Harriett Memorial Free Will Baptist Church with Reverend Billy Poe Jones officiating. Interment followed in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.
Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
