Mary Jo (Smith) Bradshaw died peacefully on April 23, 2020 at the age of 95 in Oak Manor Nursing Home, Commerce, TX where she had been a resident for several years. She is survived by her brother, Donald (Jack) Smith, Sr. of Fairborn, OH; nephews, Donald Jack Smith, Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO and Kyle Mitchell Smith of Beavercreek, OH; and beloved friends and extended family. Also surviving her are close friends, Sue Lawley and Jennifer Eaton. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her mother, Opal (Mitchell) Smith, father Sammie H. Smith and long-term close companion, Glenn Watson.
Mary Jo was born to Sammie H. and Opal (Mitchell) Smith on February 28, 1925 in Red River County, TX. At eighteen years old, with a diploma from Commerce High School and one year at East Texas State Teacher’s College in Commerce, TX, Mary Jo began her teaching career as the sole teacher at a first to sixth grade school in Muddig, TX. She remained there for three years. She continued her education at East Texas, receiving Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees. In 1958, Mary Jo started teaching sixth grade in Wolfe City, TX and taught there for twenty-eight years before retiring in 1986. She was married to and later divorced from Conley Bradshaw. Fondly remembered as a favorite teacher by many local residents, Mary Jo remained active in her community throughout her lifetime.
In retirement she was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Wolfe City, an avid reader and book club member, dancer, golfer, and extensive traveler. She was a charter member at Webb Hill Country Club where she could often be found joining friends on the club’s golf course or in the dining room. Mary Jo loved to laugh and enjoyed social occasions. Family reunions provided some of her fondest memories. Her many travel adventures included visits with friends and relatives, Elder Hostel courses, a Caribbean cruise, and a tour around Ireland.
There will be a graveside service at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City, TX with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
Mrs Bradshaw was a great teacher and friend, god bless her
She was my very favorite teacher…She was my 6th teacher at Wolfe City Elementary School…She wanted everyone to learn and helped all the kids to succeed in her class….she will never be forgotton from me,and she was always willing to help the kids that needed help…she was a friend to everyone from grade school and up in years also….I LOVED HER VERY MUCH. RIP MRS BRADSHAW until we see each other again????????????????❤️????♥️
We will miss our aunt. Love, Shannon, George, Brooke and Alexis
I remember her fondly as a teaching colleague at Wolfe City. She seemed always to have a joyful countenance and words of encouragement to pass forward daily. She was a credit to the teaching profession.
My condolences to the family. I left Wolfe City in 1978, but I had Mrs Bradshaw for 6 or 7 weeks of my 6th grade year before leaving.
Mary Jo, We’ll miss you. You were one of the first people that we met when we moved to Wolfe City 24 years ago.
Sweet classy teacher, like having another mother and expected your best. So sad to lose her.
Mary Jo was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. She was an inspiration to everyone that knew her. She will live on in our hearts forever!