In Loving Memory of Mary Jo McCormack

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Jo McCormack, a beloved sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. Mary Jo passed peaceably on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of love that touched the lives of many.

Early Life and Education

Mary Jo, nicknamed “Peddy,” was born on June 7, 1948, in Munich, West Germany to loving parents, USAF COL. Lemuel H. McCormack and Hazel L. McCormack. As the middle child and only daughter out of three children, she quickly became the heart and soul of the family. Mary Jo’s early life was spent in Rome, Italy, with her older brother, Lee H. McCormack, and her new baby brother, David L. McCormack.

After relocating back to the United States, Mary Jo attended Baxley Elementary and graduated from Appling County High School in Baxley, Georgia, where she excelled in both academics and extracurricular activities. Mary Jo had a passion for learning and was particularly fond of literature and the social arts. Her teachers often praised her for her dedication and enthusiasm in the classroom.

Career and Achievements

After graduating from Georgia Southern College with a B.S. in Sociology and from Georgia State University with an M.Ed. in Counseling and Psychological Services, Mary Jo embarked on a successful career in Medical Psychological and Vocational Rehabilitation. She worked for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for the State of Georgia, served on the Governor’s Medical Advisory Board, and served as a both a Consultant and Counselor for the Emory Center for Rehabilitation Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, where she quickly rose through the ranks due to her hard work, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Throughout her career, Mary Jo received numerous accolades and awards, a testament to her incredible talent and dedication. A true trailblazer, breaking barriers and setting new standards in her field, she was pivotal in the State of Georgia enacting a mandatory “motorcycle helmet law” while serving on the Governor’s Medical Advisory Board.

Family and Personal Life

Family was at the core of Mary Jo's life. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones and was always one of the first to organize family gatherings and celebrations. Her nieces and nephews adored her, and she took great pride in being a guiding light for them.

Mary Jo had a deep love for the arts and spent much of her free time visiting museums, attending theatre performances, and supporting local artists. She also enjoyed the outdoors, as attested by the many white water rafting trips she took down the Nantahala River in North Carolina and kayaking trips down the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. She loved traveling and exploring new cultures and experiencing life with an adventurous spirit.

Community Involvement

Mary Jo believed in giving back to the community and was actively involved in several community-based organizations. She volunteered her time and resources to causes close to her heart, including the Brain Injury Association of Georgia, the Georgia Rehabilitation Counseling Association, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Foundation. Her selflessness and generosity left a lasting impact on those she helped, and she inspired many to follow in her footsteps.

A Legacy of Love

Mary Jo's unwavering love for life will be remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories she created with those she loved.

She is predeceased by her parents, [COL. Lemuel H. McCormack and Hazel L. McCormack], her older brother [Lee H. McCormack], and her nephew [Jesse Mays]. Mary Jo is survived by her siblings, including her brother [MAJ Retired David L. McCormack], her sisters [Carol Stone, Jan Mays, Sharon Donnelly, and Cindy Light], and her many nieces and nephews, who will all miss her dearly. Mary Jo's spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts, and she will be remembered by all she has touched for years to come.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Mary Jo's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the PBS Foundation, at https://foundation.pbs.org/donation/, in Mary Jo's memory.

Mary Jo McCormack's departure has left a void that can never be filled, but her legacy of love will forever remain with us. Rest in peace, beloved Mary Jo. You will be profoundly missed and eternally cherished.