Mary Jo Smith, 88, of Virginia, IL, died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.

She was born June 7, 1936, in Virginia, the daughter of William and Wilma (Wallner) Rossi. Mary Jo married H.B. Smith on May 29, 1955, in Virginia, and he preceded her in death on October 13, 2014.

She is survived by four children, Michael Lee (Roxan) Smith of Pine Haven, WY, Debbie Leah (Glenn) Mansfield of Virginia, Susan (Jeff) Dahms of Montague, MI, and David (Sheila) Smith of Virginia; seven grandchildren, Jody (Brad) Bowman, William (Jenny) Mansfield, Jamie (Duane) McHatton, Brandon (Ginny) Smith, Anna Mansfield, Ashley Dahms, and Samantha Dahms; thirteen great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two granddaughters, Jessica and Jennifer Smith; her sister, Donna Smith; and her brother, Henry Rossi.

Mary Jo graduated from Virginia High School in 1954 and then attended Gem City Business College in Quincy. She worked at Cass Cable TV for nineteen years. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she played piano and taught Sunday School for many years. She was also a member of Virginia Junior Women's Club, the White Lake Eagle's Auxiliary in Michigan, the Virginia Library Board, and served on the Virginia BBQ Committee. Mary Jo enjoyed reading and flower gardening.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, March 24, 2025, at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials are suggested to the Virginia Library. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.