Mary Jo Harvanek's Obituary
Mary Jo Harvanek was born in Little Rock, AR on April 10, 1927, to Vera and Cecil Gibson. She passed away on October 20, 2018, at the age of 91. Brought up in Little Rock, she moved to Dallas after graduating from The University of Arkansas. Raising her family and participating in her church, Wilshire Baptist, was the focus of her life. Even in later life when homebound she continued to participate over the internet in Sunday school and church services. (to be followed by her TV “stadium seating” for the “Cowboys” during football season). Mary Jo maintained her involvement with family and friends as she could. Her home continued to be a place of love, warmth, and generosity for her friends and family. Of great joy was spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren. Though legally blind, she also stayed connected with friends and family through the internet with computer and iPad. This media also allowed her to learn, shop conveniently and stay connected. She was determined to maintain a home, care for herself, cook for herself and others through her love of the kitchen and sharing her meals. She will be sincerely missed by her loving family, her devoted friends and all the wonderful individuals who knew and loved her. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Henry and husband Reid Henry of Colorado; sons, Steve Harvanek and wife, Debbie Harvanek of Dallas, TX; Gary Harvanek and wife Lynna of McAlester, OK; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and her very close first cousins, Nancy Cone, and Pat Childress.The service for Mary Jo will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at 3:00 PM in The Wildwood Chapel, Restland Memorial Park with a private burial to follow.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilshire Baptist Church or The Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas.
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