Mary Jo Scott's Obituary
Mary Jo Scott passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 29, 1929, to John Harrison Martin and Mary Azalee French Martin with two brothers, Bob Martin (Barbara) and Bill Martin (Lois), all of whom preceded her in death.
Family was the foundation of her life and her proudest legacy. She shared 37 wonderful years with her husband, James “Jimmy” Scott, who preceded her in death. Together, they raised three daughters: Katherine King (the late Cliff King), the late Pam Holt, and Jan Melton (David).
She was a devoted grandmother to Cliff Milam, Emily Campbell (Brian), Jennifer Stachowski (Chris), Mary Claire Melton, and Scott Melton (Laura), and a proud great-grandmother to McKenzie Massey, Liam Campbell, Wesley Campbell, and Mary Jane Stachowski. Her nephew David Martin (Lydia) and niece Kay O’Brien (Tom), and their families were also an important part of her life, and she loved them dearly. Monica Adams (Dustin), her adopted step-granddaughter, enjoyed spending time with her.
Mary Jo found great joy in her lifelong faith as a devoted United Methodist Church member. She was an active member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church and later Bartlett United Methodist Church, where she participated in the United Methodist Women and formed many cherished lifelong friendships.
She was an enthusiastic sports fan who loved cheering from the sidelines, whether it was at tee-ball, soccer, basketball, tennis, or a track meet. Her folding chair was a familiar sight at countless events. She followed the Memphis Tigers and the Memphis Grizzlies with unwavering loyalty.
Mary Jo built a career in bookkeeping, but her true passion was sewing. After learning to sew in the eighth grade, she transformed that skill into a remarkable gift that she shared for more than 70 years. She spent many happy years working at La-di-da’s, a beloved local smocking shop. From smocking and knitting to Halloween costumes, christening gowns, and baby booties, there were few crafts she did not master. Her creations touched generations of family and friends, and each piece was made with extraordinary care and love.
Mary Jo will be remembered for the countless ways she showed up for the people she loved in every season of life with a steady presence, warm hug and open door.
We miss her deeply but find peace in knowing she is no longer in pain and is reunited with those who went before her — perhaps already starting up her sewing machine and settling in to watch the game.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Bartlett United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin in the sanctuary at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery at 3:30 p.m.
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