Mary Jo Avery

Mary Jo Avery, age 76 of Malvern, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at Encore Health and Rehab. She was born in Malvern on June 15, 1941 to the late Millard Thomas Avery and Helen Augusta Jones. Reared and receiving her early education in Malvern, she graduated Malvern High School with the class of 1959. She attended Henderson State Teachers College in Arkadelphia. For many years of her working life she was a secretary at Twin City Bank. Mary Jo was a member of First Baptist Church. She enjoyed antiquing, going to flea markets, decorating, and spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Elizabeth Welch Jones (John) of Jacksonville, Arkansas; her son, William Millard "Bill" Welch of Jacksonville; two grandchildren, Gregory Allen Jones and Ashley Elizabeth Jones; and by numerous special friends and classmates. Mary Jo was also preceded in death by and aunt, Hazel Collie, and the father of her children, Samuel Welch. The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Monday morning, June 18, 2018, beginning at ten o'clock, followed by the funeral service at eleven o'clock. Brother Melvin Efird will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the MHS Class of 1959. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.