Mary Jo Mizelle
October 24, 1934 - September 10, 2025
Mary Jo Mizelle, 90, beloved mother, “granma,” aunt, sister and friend, affectionately known as “MJ” to many, left us peacefully on September 10, 2025.
Born in Florence, SC on October 24, 1934, she was the first child of the late Hadley T. and Louise W. Kelly. At the age of nine, after tragically losing her mother, Mary Jo along with her three younger siblings were placed at Thornwell Orphanage in Clinton, SC, a place of divine refuge which had profound effects on her life. As a teen she lived in Charlotte, NC with her loving uncle and aunt, the late Walter and Vernelle Smith. After graduating from Harding High School she met her first husband, David E. McLendon, Sr. Their marriage brought into her life “chosen parents”, the late Ralph H. and Dorothy S. McLendon, who loved her as their own daughter.
Mary Jo spent many wonderful years living on Lake Tillery with her second husband F. Carroll Mizelle, Sr. After his death she moved to Raleigh, NC where her life was richly blessed by all her friends at Providence Church. Her faith in Christ grew and deepened during these years.
Mary Jo is preceded in death by her siblings, Edna Kelly Horne, Edgar W. Kelly and Thomas C. Kelly.
Mary Jo is survived by her children Dottie Haynes (Bob), Susan Long (Brent), and David McLendon; grandchildren Christopher Haynes (Alex), Wesley Haynes (Sally), Jonathan Long (Bailey), and Farrah McLendon; great-granddaughter Josie Long; many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and amazing friends.
The events of her life coupled with her strong faith in Jesus shaped her into a loving, fun, big-hearted, and joyous woman. She was one of those people who made those around her know that they mattered and were important. Throughout her dementia journey she was always appreciative to her caregivers and would often say, “I love you,” “you’re beautiful,” or “give me a kiss.” She would also not hesitate to say what was on her mind and could sometimes be “spicy.”
The family enjoyed many “MaryJo-isms” such as “shoot a monkey” (instead of “*!@&%”); “Does a monkey have a climbing gear?” (when the answer should be obvious, such as being asked if she was ready to eat or wanted some chocolate); and most importantly “God has never dropped me!”
Her legacy is defined by empathy for others, desire to make the lives of those around her better and her zest for life. While she would refer to herself at times as “a hot mess” (and she was often right about that), and sometimes would declare that she was “frosted” over what someone said or did; she never strayed from her core value to love and respect first, ask questions later. It is impossible to put into words what an amazing mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or friend that she was. We will do well to follow her example of faith, love and care.
In honor of her legacy and in lieu of flowers please show kindness to others, love unconditionally, feed the hungry, care for the marginalized and demonstrate the love of Christ to all. Mary Jo showed us how to love BIG!
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff at Our Promise Care Homes Falls Church and Heartland Hospice for their love and care to our precious mother.
“How lucky I am having something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” (A. A. Milne)