Mary Jo McDaniel

Mary Jo McDaniel passed away peacefully on March 31 at her home in North Olmsted, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her children: Gary of Lakewood, Ohio; Perry and his wife Nan of Charleston; and Terry of North Olmsted, Ohio; her beloved grandchildren, Kate Cope and husband Scott of Hutto, Texas, and Robert Jess McDaniel of West Columbia, South Carolina; and the latest jewels of her heart, her wonderful great-grandchildren Allie and Henry Cope. She was preceded in death by her best friend and beloved husband Bud in 2015. Mary Jo was born September 1, 1936, to the late Jesse and Alice Robinson of Philippi. She was the beloved sister of Jesse David (Brenda) Robinson of Philippi, Judy (Jim) McDaniel of Moatsville, and the late Margaret Jean Ward. She was also preceded in death by siblings James Edwin Robinson and Jackie Edith Robinson. Mary Jo was blessed to be the aunt of thirty-eight nieces and nephews, and the great-aunt to their children, many of whom were regular visitors at her former home in Tacy. Mary Jo and Bud moved to Lakewood, Ohio in 1957. In addition to raising a family, Mary Jo worked at Union Carbide and Munson Packaging in Lakewood. She was joined in Lakewood by her brother David and sister Judy, all of whom raised their families in neighboring houses on Ridgewood Avenue before moving back to Barbour County. Despite living in Ohio for thirty years, Mary Jo spent most holidays and vacations visiting her parents and sister Jean in the Ford Run community of Philippi. While in Lakewood she was a scouting mom to her boys and an assistant Brownie and Girls Scout leader to Terry’s troop. She was also an active PTA mom, always supporting and encouraging her children in their educational endeavors. Mary Jo and Bud returned to Barbour County in 1996, and settled in Tacy where they were once again surrounded by loving and supportive family members. Mary Jo attended Cross Roads United Methodist Church and was active with the Tacy Community Association, where she enjoyed the friendship of the wonderful residents of Tacy. She was an active participant in in church and community dinners, and organized many funeral dinners for family, friends and strangers in a supportive manner that only a generous mom could do! She assisted with various fundraisers to support both the community and her church. She and Bud also placed flags at the graves of Tacy veteran’s each Memorial Day. Bud and Jo frequently traveled the back roads of West Virginia visiting cemeteries, historical sites, and talking with people to gather information for her ancestry research. She was an avid historian, researching her and Bud’s families through multiple generations. Her devotion to genealogy resulted in a wealth of information — a cherished legacy for her family. She moved back to Ohio in 2016 to live with her daughter Terry and be near her son Gary. She was also blessed with the company and support of her nephew Jim Robinson. Over the past two decades, she cherished most the time spent with her best friend, her beloved Bud. Their retirement years also meant time for their grandchildren. She especially enjoyed when Kate and Jess stayed with them absent the “oversight” of Perry and Nan — better the parents did not see the process of spoiling the grandchildren. Kate enjoyed the breakfasts in bed and Jess relished his mid-morning snacks of ice cream. Bud and Jo’s house was filled with play kitchen appliances and trains—and much love and devotion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the “Fairview Church Building Fund”, c/o Judy McDaniel, 389 Blazing Sky Lane, Moatsville, WV, 26405. Friends may call at Wright’s Funeral Home in Philippi on Friday, April 5, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Funeral services will commence at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Reverend Scott Cope and Pastor Bryan Headley will officiate the service. Burial is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton.