of Little Rock, AR
January 21, 1921 - September 26, 2023
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the age of 102, the sun set on the shining life of our brilliant, boisterous and beloved family icon, while three sons are rising in exaltation and appreciation of their special, nurturing mother, Mary Jo Mizell. Holding a family together like she did is unfortunately very rare in today's world. Her valued roles included not only those of wife and mother - she adroitly handled the additional challenges of being a mother-n-law, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother! With no need for proverbial "eyes in the back of her head", she always just seemed to know what her family members were up to before they did.
Unwilling to achieve less than the best, she zipped through high school in three years and was the valedictorian of her class. Then, of course, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ouachita Baptist University. She and Dr. Walter S. "Walt" Mizell were long-time members of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, where they were married in 1942. A wonderfully strong marriage of 75 years followed. After Walt retired, he and Mary Jo enjoyed life together for an extended period of 33 years at Parkway Village in Little Rock.
Mary Jo is survived by her children, Joe Mizell (Dianne) of Little Rock, Arkansas, David Mizell (Barbara) of Austin, Texas, Philip Mizell (Mary Ann) of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandchildren, Molly Steely, Mark Mizell (Robin), Levon Mizell, Amy Henn (Steve), Jon Mizell, Ben Mizell (Sarah), Katherine Crow (Trent) and Katie Corlin (Greg); great-grandchildren, Andrew Steely (Mikala), Madeline Jester (Dane), Elizabeth Hill (Gage), Jack Corlin, Madeline Corlin, Hannah Corlin, Deacon Henn, Alora Henn, Charlee Mizell, Micah Mizell and Tucker Crow and the great-great-grandchild is Beckett Steely of Andrew and Mikala.
A Celebration of Life will be 1:00pm on Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Chenal Country Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72205. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Parkway Health Center and Baptist Health Hospice for their care and dedication.
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6 Condolence(s)
Sue Lile Inman
Friday, September 29, 2023
Aunt Mary Jo was an inspiration to me all my life. She was my father's youngest sister and I wanted to follow her beautiful example of how she lived her splendid life.
Thom Hall
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Celebrate this super mom with love and laughter and keep her in your hearts as you tell and re-tell the stories of her life. Seeing her beautiful smile made me think back to high school when David and I were in band together. How lucky we were to have parents opening doors to the world to us.
Carol Bailey Cain
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Rest in peace to our beloved (Great) Aunt Mary Jo. I have fond and vivid memories of her, with a smile and twinkling eyes that could light up a room. She was brilliant, warm and wonderful and a big part of our lives from our earliest years.
Sheila Parsley Young
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Phil, Mary Ann and family,
May God comfort each oh you with wonderful memories as you live life without your Mom here on Earth.
Rick turner
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Aunt Mary Jo lived a wonderful inspired life. Her older siblings would be so proud of the life that she lived, full of quick wit, deep laughter and uncommon intelligence. Her impactful presence, left all that met her in awe at the grace and joy that she brought to the broader family. I was definitely impacted and benefited every time I saw her.
Nancy Morales
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
I had the great pleasure of meeting Ms. Mizell at Parkway Village several years ago. She truly loved her family! What a legacy she leaves behind for all to remember.