Mary Jo (Higgins) McMahan

McMahan, Mary Jo (Higgins) age 88, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Services will be held Saturday March 9, 1PM at the First Baptist Church Clearwater, KS.
Mary Jo, as she preferred to be called, was born in Wichita but later moved to Clearwater with her family. She attended Clearwater High School alongside her brother Ronnie Higgins, where she became actively involved in the Clearwater Baptist Church. Continuing her education, Mary Jo went on to attend Kansas State University and impressively graduated in just three years. It was during this time that she met Jim McMahan, whom she married days before her 21st birthday.
Initially, Mary Jo pursued a career as an English teacher until 1960 when she welcomed the arrival of her first of four sons. From then on, she dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mom. The family lived in various locations due to her husband's career, residing in Maize, Melvern, Hamilton, and Perry. All locations in Kansas. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when her husband passed away in 1978, leaving Mary Jo widowed with four sons who had not yet graduated high school.
Mary Jo returned to Clearwater, where she resided until her passing. To support her children, she worked in the administrative department of Clearwater's Dr Higgins Dental office. Through her work, she reconnected with old acquaintances and made new connections within the Clearwater community. She also reignited her involvement with the Clearwater Baptist Church, as her faith held great importance in her life and was evident to all who knew her.
Even in her 70s, Mary Jo maintained strong bonds with her high school girlfriends, meeting them regularly for lunch and cherishing their lifelong friendship. Known for her generosity and kindness, Mary Jo was not only a loving mother to her sons but also extended her support to their friends. Her selflessness left a lasting impact on those she encountered, and her grandchildren fondly recall the cherished moments spent with their beloved Grandma Jo.
Mary Jo possessed a philanthropic spirit, always considering herself blessed and desiring to help others. She dedicated herself to acts of kindness and sought opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of those around her.
Preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Higgins, mother Janelle (John “Jack”) Landis; husband, James McMahan; brother, EL Higgins.
Survivors: sons, Todd (Valerie) McMahan of Glendale AZ, Trent (Sherry) McMahan of Franklin TN, Troy (Michele) McMahan and Tyler (Michelle) McMahan both of Clearwater; brother, Ronald (Rosalie) Higgins of Wichita; 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials: First Baptist Church 306 Ross Ave Clearwater, KS 67026.

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