Mrs. Mary Jo Stewart, 89, of Pooler, Georgia, formerly of Locust Grove, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at The Legacy Memory Care after a long and courageous battle with heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Mary Jo will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughters, Patti Kelly (Larry) of Pooler, Georgia, and Kathy Koeser (Ken) of Poolesville, Maryland; her grandchildren, Ryan Kelly, Kevin Koeser, Kristan Koeser, and Sam Koeser; her niece, Jean Morrison; and her nephew, Don Southern.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of more than 50 years, Duane "Stu" Stewart; her beloved son, Robert Stewart; her parents, Benjamin and Mary Tatum Southern; and her brother, Donald Southern.

Born in Trinity, North Carolina, Mary Jo spent her early years in the Greensboro area before moving as a young teenager to Washington, D.C., where she completed her schooling at Roosevelt High School in 1954. In 1955, she married the love of her life after a whirlwind romance. Together, they made their home in Northern Virginia, where they raised their family and shared many years of love, laughter, and partnership.

Mary Jo was a longtime secretary at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia, where her family were active members. She and Stu were also active at Springfield Golf & Country Club before retiring to Lake of the Woods in Locust Grove, Virginia. Retirement suited Mary Jo well. She enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing bridge, square dancing with her husband and friends, and working jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles.

Mary Jo was known for her whimsical sense of humor, quick wit, and warm heart. She delighted in sharing a laugh, and she treasured time with family and friends. Her spirit and joyful presence will be remembered by all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, Mary Jo's ashes will be interred at a later date beside her husband and son in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Regency SouthernCare Hospice, 7 Allen Cail Drive, Suite A & B, Statesboro, Georgia 30458.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912) 748-2444