Mary Jo Jessup

Mary Jo Walters Jessup, 74, of Lexington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at 5:10 p.m. on April 15 at the Hinkle Hospice House of Davidson County.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19th at First Reformed United Church of Christ in Lexington, where she was a longtime member, officiated by Rev. Elizabeth Horton. The family will receive friends in the church Fellowship Hall following the service.

Mary Jo was born on July 9, 1951, in Lumberton, North Carolina, to Joseph Richard Walters and Mary Dot Byrd Walters. She attended public schools in Hickory and graduated from Hickory High School in 1969. She later worked as a dental office manager with Dr. John Buchannan, DDS, in Lexington, where she was known for her warmth, kindness, and the genuine care she showed to every patient.

Mary Jo married Dalma Lee Jessup, Jr. in 1970, and together they built a life centered on love and family. Lee and Mary Jo had two children whom they loved more than anything, and four granddaughters who stole their hearts even more. She found her greatest joy in her family. Time spent and memories made with them was her favorite, and they will forever carry her love with them.

Mary Jo was truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet. Anyone who knew her could count on her warm smile and a hug that made everything feel a little better. Her laugh was contagious, and her love for others was always evident in the way she welcomed everyone with open arms and a joyful spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary Jo was a faithful member of First Reformed United Church of Christ, where she was actively involved for many years in the Women’s Fellowship, Sanctuary Choir, and numerous fellowship and fundraising efforts since 1980. She was a woman of many talents and creative passions, including scrapbooking, sewing beautiful handmade quilts, crafting Charleston-style grass baskets, ceramics, crocheting, and knitting.

She also loved the beach and was an avid collector of seashells. Some of her happiest memories were made on beach trips with Lee, her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She was also a cherished member of her longtime Friends Bridge Group, where she enjoyed decades of laughter, travel, and treasured friendships.

Surviving are her devoted husband, Lee, of the home; her son, Nathan Andrew (Kimberly) Jessup of Salisbury; her daughter, Elizabeth (Frank) Jessup Callicutt of Lexington; her beloved grandchildren, Mary Lloyd, Annabell, Abbie Callicutt, and Palmer Jessup; her sisters, Cheryl Ann (George) Rhoney of Hildebran and Robin Freeman of Hickory; her sister-in-law, Susan (Ben) Boynton; and her lifelong best friend and sister in law, Jane Keever of Little River, South Carolina. She is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Mary Jo’s life was a beautiful example of love, kindness, and generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Memorials may be made to: First Reformed United Church of Christ, 104 East Center St, Lexington, NC 27292 or Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292