Mary Jo Mason

Mary Jo Mason, born Mary Jo Johnson, entered this world on December 12, 1934, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the youngest of eighteen children born to Harvey and Iola Johnson. At the age of 14, she accepted Christ at Gospel Mission Church, beginning a lifelong devotion to ministry and service.

Mary Jo graduated from Plainview High School in 1953. Shortly after, she met the love of her life, Jesse N. Mason. They were married on August 7, 1956, and together raised four children: Debra (1958), Leah (1959), Miriam (1962), and Matthew (1966). Their union lasted 47 years until Jesse’s passing in 2003.

Mary Jo and Jesse traveled extensively for evangelistic work, ministering in Mississippi, California, Missouri, Iowa, and Michigan. They settled in Michigan and in 1975, Jesse became pastor of People’s Baptist Church and Mary Jo served faithfully as First Lady. Upon their retirement in 1997, she was honored with the title of “Overseer” and continued to serve as a Sunday school teacher and occasional speaker under Pastor Jeffery Murchinson, who renamed the church Glory of the Latter House Ministries.

Mary Jo was also President of the Victorious Christian Women’s Group and the United Conference for Women. In 1993, she was a featured speaker at the Victorious Christian Women’s Conference. She also did volunteer work around the Lansing area. Pastor David Foreman later named her an honorary member of Reachout Christian Center Church in Lansing, Michigan.

Mary Jo worked as a greeter at Walmart for 15 years, where she formed lasting friendships and was affectionately known for her warmth and kindness. After retiring, she joined the YMCA and found a new circle of cherished friends she lovingly called her “round table.”

Mary Jo was a true people person. She found joy in fellowship and had a gift for making others feel welcome. Her greatest pleasure was cooking—an art she mastered with passion and precision. She read cookbooks like novels and had an extraordinary palate, able to identify herbs and spices with a single taste. Her Sunday dinners, often prepared with other church women, were legendary. She created her own recipes and shared them generously, feeding both body and soul.

Above all, Mary Jo was a devout, anointed, and wise woman of God. Her worship was sincere, her faith unwavering, and her life a testament to her love for the Savior. She was determined to live in a way that honored Him, never letting anything stand between her and heaven.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pastor Jesse N. Mason, and daughters Debra Ruth “Debbie” Mason and Leah Denise Mason-Perdue.

Mary Jo Mason entered her eternal rest on September 9, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She is survived by:

• 2 Sisters: Minnie Watson (Denver, CO) and Marlene (Bob) Gilkey (Fort Worth, TX)
• 2 Children: Miriam “Elisa” Mason (Tampa, FL) and Matthew Lamar Mason (Lansing, MI)
• Grandchildren: Jemar “Je’” Mason, Tatricia “Tee” Jackson, Esco Sedale “Dale” Jackson, Sehann Mason, Rickey “Dashi”-Jawan Jackson, Demauri Mason, Jessica (Brandon) Bicy, Brandon Mason, Javonte’ Mason, and Christian “Bear” Mason
• 28 Great-grandchildren
• 9 Great-great-grandchildren
• Special Friends: Mr. Norman Rosema (Fremont, MI), Travis & Linda Shever, and Ms. Bobbi Williams (Lansing, MI)
• A host of nieces, nephews, church family, and dear friends

• Mary Jo Mason’s life was a radiant example of grace, generosity, and godly devotion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.