Nov. 13, 1937 – Nov. 17, 2012

NATCHEZ — Mary Jo Peters, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Glenburnie Nursing Home in Natchez.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Peters was a lifelong resident of Natchez and was married to George Peters Sr.

Mary Jo was a wonderful athletic in her younger years. She played basketball for Cathedral High School and was an avid tennis player as well. She was a graduate of Cathedral High School and attended Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Vidalia.

Her love for flowers was her greatest love of all, and for a while, many called her “Mary Jo Flower.” She was active in the Auburn Garden Club and made arrangements for them for a number of years. Of course, she had a soft spot for Duncan Park being she grew up in Auburn, for her dad was Bill Mckenney, the late golf pro and superintendent of Duncan Park.

Her other hobbies included cooking for her many friends in the neighborhood. No one knew when they opened their door what they would find to munch on.

When illness came her way, she continued her love of flowers, and would surprise her neighbors with a beautiful hibiscus, grown by her hubby, Buddy. She had been known to sneak into her back patio and pick the “forbidden fruit” (Buddy liked flowers on the plant,) hoping he didn’t notice, only to share them with caring neighbors. Ha.

Mary Jo also enjoyed writing cards and messages to friends, encouraging them when they were down-N-out! She was a great contributor to the U.S. Post Office!

Mary Jo made her mark. She marched to the beat of her own drum, but had a heart of gold. Her memory will live on.

Mrs. Peters was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Elizabeth Mckenney and one younger brother, Billy.

Survivors include a daughter, Sara Beth Flynn of New Orleans; one son, Buddy Peters of Natchez; and one sister, Agatha Weeks.

Mary Jo’s wish was to donate her body to science. In lieu of flowers, she requested that any donations be made to the Natchez Humane Society.