Mary Jo Evener

Mary Josephine “Jo” Evener, age 96 of Millfield, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, July 16, 2024 at The Laurels of Athens following an extended stay. Born February 16, 1928 in Harrisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late John D. & Ruth Marsh Willis.  

Mary was a lifelong resident of Millfield Road with her beloved husband, the late Donald J. Evener (2006) and a large loving family. She was an avid cook and baker who would always make homemade meals for family and friends whom her and her husband welcomed into their home. Over the years, relatives would come and some would enjoy whole summers with them on the farm. One one or more occasions, the school home economics class would come to her house for baking lessons, including the teachers. Mary Jo always had a good sense of humor and a mind sharp as a tack until her last day and when asked how she did it, she answered, “I have the mind of Christ” which she did.

A strong Christian woman who never wavered from her faith in God. Mary Jo’s greatest joy was knowing that all of her children shared her beliefs and were saved. Mary Jo and her husband not only raised their own children, but took in over 76 foster children during a 25 year span. Mary Jo and Donald were awarded foster grandparents of the year on more than one occasion and were invited to the Governors mansion for awards and dinner. 

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her late husband, Donald James Evener; children, Susie, stillborn twins, Donald George Evener, Keith Wayne Evener; brothers, Johnny (Lee) Willis, Ed (Betty) Willis, David (Julie) Willis, Terry Willis, Eugene Willis; sisters, Fran (Gene Lee) Newman, Betty (Edward) Russell, Teeny (Junior) Evans, Vickey (Paul) Newman, and Barbara (Harry) Holdcroft. 

She is survived by her children, Linda (late Elmer Ewing) Ewing, John (June) Evener, Sheila (Tom) Antle, Ruth Evener; grandchildren, Jo Anna (Richard) Burdette, Sherri (Jeff) McDonald, Rachel (Steve) Russell, Keith Wayne (Stephanie) Evener, Johnnie (Selena) Evener, Mark (Christina) Ewing, Gary (Courtney) McBride, Michael (Maria) Antle, Justin (Hannah Adams) McBride, Stephanie Nesius, Jenny (Buddy Vore) Evener, Lindsey (Olly) McAulley, Clifford Evener, Nichole Evener; daughters-in-law, Dorothy Evener Hopkins, Becky Evener; sisters-in-law, Judy Willis Griffith, Thelma Willis; and countless great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and beloved friends. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 12PM. Burial will follow in Concord Church Cemetery. You may call upon the family on Saturday from 11AM until the start of service. The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the hospice staff & nurses, The Laurels of Athens Nursing Home, and her aide, Hannah for their dedicated care for Mary Jo over the years. You may sign the online guestbook or leave the family a message of sympathy at www.ehwfh.com.