Mary Jo Stratton Zipp passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on December 10, 2024, at the age of 87. She is now healed and free from the dementia that burdened her for the last few years of her life.

Mary Jo was born July 27, 1937, in her grandmother's house in Marianna, Arkansas to Homer "Corder" Stratton and Pauline Beauchamp Stratton. She grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas with her brother, Herb "Bubba".  She was fiercely proud of her Arkansas roots, and the trees in her home state.  Two of her famous quotes: "Texas doesn't have trees like Arkansas" and "I'm moving back to Arkansas" were heard by many!

A talented designer and seamstress, she attended Texas Woman's University and earned her Bachelors degree in Children's Clothing and Costume Design in 1959.  Following graduation, she was recruited and hired to design children's clothing for Cater Frock in New Braunfels.  It was during this time that she met Tommy at his Oma's house.  They were married on June 19, 1960 and built a house on the Zipp Family Farm and welcomed Jill a year later in December and Jan two years after Jill.

Her desire to raise her daughters into young ladies was a challenge as they both preferred to be playing outside and helping Tommy on the farm!

She enjoyed her friendships both in Arkansas and in New Braunfels as well as in her Bunco group, and the Gay 40's Social Club.  She and Tommy were active in the Revelers and Soiree social groups and participated in their many fun and zany gatherings and trips.

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Tommy; her parents, Corder and Pauline, her stepmother, Lucy and her brother, Herb. She is survived by her daughters, Jill Bennett and husband Gregg of New Braunfels; Jan Pardee of College Station; her beloved grandsons, Christopher Bennett and wife Devon of Ft. Collins, CO; Patrick Pardee of Dallas, TX, and Shawn Bennett and wife Mona of New Braunfels, TX.  She was blessed with two great granddaughters, Eloise and Charlotte, whom she would have completely and utterly cherished!  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Barbara Stratton of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, as well as several nieces and nephews in Arkansas and Tennessee.

A time of sharing memories, reflecting and celebrating Mary Jo's life will be held Monday, December 23 at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home Chapel from 10-12.  It will be a casual come and go gathering of friends and family.  A private family burial will occur that afternoon at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.

A warm thank you to the caring staff of Gruene Senior Living and Hope Hospice for their love and care they provided.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations can be made to Hope Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.