Mary Jo Hayes-Whitten, 59, of Battle Creek, Michigan, found her eternal resting place and peace early morning on Tuesday, May 7th, 2019. Born on April 11th, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan, she was the child of Lawrence and Angela Hayes. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ferris State College, where she met her husband, Jim. After graduating, she excelled professionally in accounting for many years, her last job being with a non-profit organization.
Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband, Jim, of 33 years; son, Chad Whitten; daughter, Krista (Nate) Hillary; sisters; Angie (Danny) Antaya, Chris Harrison, Lisa (Scott) Hansen, Maureen (Craig) Holbrook, Rose Ann (Michael) Savickas; brothers, Frank (Melissa) Hayes, Larry Hayes, Steve (Maureen) Hayes. Surrounded by the company of her wonderful siblings and close friends, Mary Jo was beyond fortunate to have ongoing contact with those that meant the most to her up until the very end. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Angela Hayes; sister-in-law, Marcia Hayes; brother-in-law, Ron Harrison.
She loved spending time with her 8 siblings and special friend Karen Dale, traveling (especially her trips to Hawaii, Italy, and the Caribbean Islands), camping, taking walks, going to the beach, listening to Motown music, reading daily devotionals and praying, and being a never-ending emotional support to those around her. A woman of incredible integrity, pride, wisdom, and beauty, Mary Jo will always be kept close in the hearts and minds of her friends, family, and those fortunate enough to have known her.