Mary Jo Woodward

1926 - 2013

Mary Jo Woodward obituary, 1926-2013, PACIFIC BEACH, CA

Mary Woodward Obituary

Woodward (Deavenport), Mary Jo 08/23/1926 ~ 11/10/2013 PACIFIC BEACH -- Mary Jo was born in Breakenridge, Texas, the daughter of Teddy and Mary Donia "Molly" Watkins. Her father was a foreman for Gulf Oil which meant that Mary Jo and her sister Joyce grew up moving around the Texas plains. As a result, Mary Jo and Joyce stayed closest of sisters throughout life. Mary Jo graduated Panhandle High School in 1943, and later graduated North Texas State in 1947, along with her sister, Joyce (Chapman, class of 1949). Mary Jo met Joe Earl Deavenport while he was studying Electronics at the U.S. Naval Academy and they were married in 1949. They moved to San Diego in 1951 where Joe Earl worked at the Naval Electronics Lab (NEL). They settled in Clairemont where Diane, David, Dara and Denise were born and they lived for 10 years. Their backyard neighbors at the time were the Woodwards, and their families grew to be best friends, with the kids going to school together and sharing vacations. In 1966, the family moved to Pacific Beach where Mary Jo was an active member of the Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach. Mary Jo was a dedicated mom supporting her kids' activities as a Girl Scout Leader, PTA member, Little League fan and ballet mom. Mary Jo was a gracious hostess opening her home to family and friends for all occasions and was the life of the party. She was a member of Las Companeros chapter of the Children's Home Society for over forty years. Mary Jo enjoyed the theater and attended all the plays at the Circle Arts and the Old Globe. She was one of the early Globe Guilders and often helped backstage. Because of her love for the arts, after her kids were grown, Mary Jo took art classes and over time, became a talented watercolor and acrylic painter. She was a past president of the Clairemont Art Guild, a member of the San Diego Water Color Society and the La Jolla Art Association. She won awards in several local judged and juried shows. When Joe Earl died in 2002, Mary Jo reconnected with lifelong friend Jim Woodward, whose wife had passed away, and they were married in 2009. Jim and Mary Jo moved in 2011 to Wesley Palms in Pacific Beach where they were very happy and enjoyed life to the fullest. Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Jim Woodward; her sister Billie Joyce Chapman of Houston, Texas; her children Diane Busch, David Deavenport, Dara Hembury, all in San Diego, and Denise Freeman (New Hampshire). She is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for Mary Jo on December 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Congregational Church, 2088 Beryl Street, Pacific Beach. Flowers or donations may be made in her honor to the Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 17, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sincere condolences to the family and friends of When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace, May the God of comfort continue to be with the family during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14.
JM

January 1, 2018

To know Mary Jo was to love her. She was a beautiful person that was blessed with a wonderful life. She will be remembered fondly and missed greatly. My warmest thoughts for all of her family and my dear Papa.

Brandy Hall

December 3, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy to Jim and Jo's family on her sudden passing. She was a very special person at the Community Congregational Church of Pacific Beach for many years. She was a dedicated person in the Fellowship group. I inherited several of her paintings my mom bought at our church auctions and I will cherish them now more than ever as they will always remind me of the beautiful and wonderful woman she was.

November 19, 2013

The Staff and Residents at Wesley Palms will miss Jo. Her warm smile will always be in our memory.

Resident Services

November 18, 2013

Jo made the world a better place and she will be missed. She was a lovely person who made people feel good when they were with her. Loved her laugh. It was nice to be her neighbor for a long time and we have some of her beautiful pieces of art that will be a nice reminder of her in so many ways. Healing prayers and thoughts sent to the family during this sad time. Martchen and Barrie Cooper.

Martchen Dickson-Cooper

November 18, 2013

Dear Deavenport children and Dad (Jim), I am so sorry for the loss of Mary Jo. She was the sweetest woman with a wonderful soft southern accent. She was beautiful inside and out. I am glad Dad and Jo got to spend 5 splendid years together. My dad was a "lucky dude" to have had that time with Mary Jo. I am very sorry for this untimely loss.
Lovingly,
Wendy Woodward

Wendy Woodward

November 18, 2013

Jo will be sorely missed by so many. Her graciousness and joy of life added so much to our lives. I liked hearing her Texas accent, and I especially enjoyed hearing how she pronounced Joe Earl. God bless her and all of her family.

Anne Walker

November 17, 2013

Jim, I'm awfully sorry for your loss. So glad you have lots of family around you. The obit was exceptional and a real tribute. Best from our family to yours.

Bill Howell

November 17, 2013

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Memorial Events
for Mary Woodward

Dec

7

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Community Congregational Church

2088 Beryl Street, Pacific Beach, CA 92108

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