of North Little Rock, AR
December 15, 1934 - December 22, 2025
Mary Jo Mooney Hembrock slipped quietly into the arms of her Savior on December 22, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on December 15, 1934, in Wayton, Arkansas, she was raised by her parents, Walsie and Claud Hylton, and lived a life marked by gentle, steadfast love that will echo through generations.
Mary Jo carried a quiet Christian faith that was never loud or showy, but steady and constant through every season of her life. It was the kind of faith that carried her through joy and heartbreak, through long, ordinary days and through the hardest of nights. She trusted her Lord completely, and that trust became the soft, sure foundation of everything she did. That faith led her to move her family to Arkansas, so they could attend First Pentecostal Church in North Little Rock, where she was a faithful member for 46 years. She loved to sing and joyfully shared her talents as a member of the church choir. As a young woman, Mary Jo also found joy in sewing, lovingly making shirts and dresses for those she held dear.
She was first blessed to share her life and raise her precious children with her husband, Charles Ray Mooney, whose memory she carried with tenderness. Later, in a beautiful gift of second chances, she opened her heart again and found deep companionship and love with Martin Hembrock, walking beside him with the same quiet devotion she gave so freely.
Above all else, Mary Jo was a mother through and through. Her love for her children was fierce yet gentle, unconditional, and never-failing. She did not have to preach her faith; she simply lived it. In the way she listened, in the meals she prepared, in the prayers she whispered over them in the dark, and in the patience she showed when life was difficult. Through her example, she showed everyone what true love and grace look like, and that legacy became the very heartbeat of her family.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Johnny Hylton, Larry Hylton, and Judy Henry; and her first husband, Charles Ray Mooney.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Martin Hembrock; her children, Brenda Sheppard (Steve), Terry Mooney (Shari), Stan Mooney, Ronda Mooney, Carla Mooney, and Brent Mooney (Shelley); her stepchildren, Neal Hembrock (Caryn), Barry Hembrock, Charlie Hembrock, Dale Hembrock (Angel), Lana Kellam (Eric), and Marta Hoffman (Mike); her brothers, Ed Hylton and Carl Hylton; her sisters, Wanda Fisher, Anna Sheppard, and Reba Moschini; eleven cherished grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and many other beloved family members and friends who each carry a piece of her warmth, her strength, and her unwavering love.
Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find comfort in knowing that the faith she lived by has now become sight. Mary Jo is whole, at peace, and finally home. Her gentle spirit, quiet courage, and boundless love will continue to live on in every prayer whispered, every story shared, and every life she touched.
A celebration of life will be held at First Pentecostal Church in North Little Rock on Monday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior. A procession will follow to Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Cabot for interment.
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23 Condolence(s)
Carla
Monday, December 29, 2025
It was a beautiful service mom; officiated by two wise and Godly pastors. They reminded me of what a GREAT legacy that you left us. Worth more than any jewels or wealth. I will forever be grateful a I will always miss you.
Jill Walton Corbitt
Monday, December 29, 2025
What a precious lady and example to all.
I remember Sis. Mooney most of all praying with young people and encouraging us to worship. Carla and Brent I love you both and am praying for you and your whole family that His presence will comfort you.
Stanley Mooney
Monday, December 29, 2025
Hello my sweet amazing Mother . I wouldn't trade you for all the Mother's in the world . You have always been more than a Mother , you was also my best friend . You could sing better than than Loretta Lynn and God is good and fast as Danica Patrick 🌹❤️ lol I tell my friends that all the time . I will love you until my last breath . I know you are already dancing in Heaven . Your dedication and love for Jesus Christ never wavered and you was a great servant of God .
John & Patty Stewart. And Harold Mills
Monday, December 29, 2025
Love and prayers for all the family and friends. Mary Jo was a shining star!! A beautiful lady always..so thankful to have known her for all these years
John and Patty Stewart & Harold Mills
John & Patty Stewart. And Harold Mills
Monday, December 29, 2025
Love and prayers for all the family and friends. Mary Jo was a shining star!! A beautiful lady always..so thankful to have known her for all these years
John and Patty Stewart & Harold Mills
John & Patty Stewart. And Harold Mills
Monday, December 29, 2025
Love and prayers for all the family and friends. Mary Jo was a shining star!! A beautiful lady always..so thankful to have known her for all these years
John and Patty Stewart & Harold Mills
Carol Fraley Johnson
Sunday, December 28, 2025
I will be praying for this family🙏🏻
I loved to see Sis Mary Jo worship!
Now she has her reward!
Pam Ezell
Sunday, December 28, 2025
I admired this precious saint of God. She was a true worshipper.
Tonisa Bourn McGee
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Such a precious lady who was loved by all. Love and prayers.
Carolyn Davis
Sunday, December 28, 2025
Love and Prayers
Carolyn Davis
faye walyon
Sunday, December 28, 2025
What a faithful servant of God!
She was a full of joy even in times that were hard. She always gave praise to God and blessed us all at First pentecostal by her praise.
She is missed. she was a sweet friend to my Sister Karen Potts. bless that sweet memory
Pamela mcquaid
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Vicki Briles
Friday, December 26, 2025
I sure will miss your sweet smile Aunt Jo. You were always faithful in the Lord and I know your prayers have covered your family for many years. Your children can find comfort in the knowledge that prayers never die and all those thousands of prayers you have prayed over all of them will always cover them. I love you!!
CHERYL MCCARTHY
Friday, December 26, 2025
TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. I ENJOYED MANY CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR MOTHER. SHE LOVED YOU AND PRAYED FOR YOU DAILY. AT THE CONCLUSION OF OUR CONVERSATIONS SHE WOULD SAY,"PRAY FOR MY CHILDREN..." YOU ARE BLESSED AND YOU HAVE A RICH HERITAGE. GOD BLESS, CHERYL LOOPER MCCARTHY
Steven Muir Ross
Friday, December 26, 2025
Mary Jo it was both my honor and privilege to know you. You were always positive and kind and had something nice to say with a big smile on your face! I would always look forward to coming over to your house and seeing you and Martin and I truly enjoyed our conversations. You will be sorely missed by so many however I rejoice in the fact that I know you are with God Almighty and His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven now. God Bless you now and forever...
🙏🙏🙏😇
Jennifer Sorrells
Friday, December 26, 2025
David, Stan, Brent, Carla, Brandy and the rest of the family - I am so sorry for your loss. She was a sweet woman who was adored by so many. Praying for strength and comfort for you all in the days to come. ❤️
Stanley David Mooney II
Friday, December 26, 2025
Going to miss you something fierce Grandma. You lived a truly holy life and I have no doubt those pearly gates opened to welcome you in
Kira Mooney
Friday, December 26, 2025
Forever an angel in life and after. You have made an impact on us all and no one in our lives will ever replace your kindness. Mother to us all, we love you.
Judy Gander
Friday, December 26, 2025
Sister Mary Jo was a family friend for over 65 years. She was a sweet Godly woman who our family loved and cherished. Love the Mooney family.
Tim Mullinax
Friday, December 26, 2025
Loved this sweet lady!
Brent Allen Mooney
Friday, December 26, 2025
My mom gave her love freely and never asked for anything in return. She made my life feel safer simply by being in it. Her warmth, strength, and quiet care shaped who I am. Though she is no longer here, her love and influence are with me every day and always will be.
Mom, I will always miss and cherish you
Darrell Adkins
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Prayers during this time. Love you all.
EDWARD HYLTON
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
RIP Aunt Jo. You were well loved.
Eddie Ray and Marie