Mary Jo Daniel

Mary Jo Daniel (Lewis) passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the age of 101.
Born on July 2, 1924 to Will and Margie (Ellis) Lewis, Mary Jo has always been a force. Honest, quick-witted and vibrant, she kept everyone around her on their toes. Small in stature but large in personality, Mary Jo embodied what strong faith, hard work ethic and a kind heart can do to ensure a happy and healthy life.
Mary Jo married her high school sweetheart, Arch, and together they raised three beautiful children who held their mother in the center of their world. Known as Mama Jo to her six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, Mary Jo was present for all of life's biggest memories and she never missed a moment to celebrate the family she was so proud to call hers.
Mary Jo was never one to sit still and was always busy. She served as a clerk at the Bowling Green ASCS office (a division of the US Department of Agriculture) and retired after 30 years of service. After retirement she volunteered her time at The Medical Center of Bowling Green as well as the Health and Wellness Center where she will be remembered as the first smiling face that could be seen upon entering the facility's doors. Mary Jo loved her WKU Hilltoppers and Kentucky Wildcats and never missed an opportunity to cheer on her Tops or Cats. As a season ticket holder at E. A. Diddle Arena for over 30 years, Mary Jo was honored as a member of the Hilltopper Hundred Club for her dedication to the program. Late into her 90s Mary Jo was a fixture in the early morning mall walking crowd, always clothed in a colorful velour track suit and usually lapping people half her age.
Mary Jo was strong in her faith and an active member of Three Springs Baptist Church. A true believer in the Lord and Jesus, Mary Jo was not afraid to go home as she knew the joy that awaited her.
Mary Jo is survived by her three loving children, Dianne Vanderpool, Darlene Daniel and Danny Daniel (Rachel); six grandchildren Keith Vanderpool (Michelle), Kevin Vanderpool (Ellen), Whitney Shelton (Jason), Jessica Massey (Zach), Justin Jones, Kyle Daniel (Kristin) and Jason Lane; 11 great-grandchildren Seth Vanderpool, Victoria Vanderpool, Will Vanderpool, Mary Kate Vanderpool, Ava Shelton, Emerson Shelton, Stella Shelton, Caleb Massey, Mila Massey, Archie Daniel, Winnie Daniel.
She is preceded in death by her husband Arch Daniel, sister Betty Jean Condor (Bill), sister-in- law Bessie Smith (JC) and son-in-law Glenn Vanderpool.
It is with tremendous gratitude and appreciation that the family recognizes the dedicated caregivers Lana Banks, Murphy Burris, Anne Hodge, Misty King, Candace Parker and Misti Yell. Their skill, commitment and compassionate care was immeasurable. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Collins and Hospice of Southern Kentucky for providing Mary Jo with the highest standard of care.
The family will accept visitors to celebrate Mary Jo's life starting at 9am-1:30pm on Monday, December 29th at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel with a service at 1:30pm officiated by Pastor Kenneth Massey and Pastor Gregg Farrell. Interment will be at 3pm at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Hospice of Southern Kentucky.
Services are entrusted into J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel.