Mary Jo Marak

Mary Jo Marak, 79, of Jacksonville, died Sunday, January 28, 2018. Mary Jo was born September 3, 1938, in Cameron, Texas, to the late B.L. Varner and Vernie Grace Varner. Mary Jo had a servant's heart. She spent her life serving others without expecting anything in return. As a devote Christian and active member of First Baptist church, she could be found organizing church pot lucks, teaching GA's, taking up money for Wednesday night meals, serving on committees and teaching Sunday school. If she wasn't serving at FBC she could be found on the front pew worshipping Jesus. Mary Jo longed for everyone to know the love of Jesus. She not only taught people in her church about Jesus, she openly shared with her family and friends. It was easy to believe every word that she said, because she led by example. She lived her life the the way God intended Christians to live. Her faith is her legacy. Mary Jo married her elementary, junior high, and high school sweetheart, Arthur Gene Marak on December 13, 1958. If you know them both, you know that there was no truer love. Together they raised two sons, Arthur Gene Marak Jr. (Meli Acuna), and Mark Allan Marak (Kim Marak). She loved her family. She was a loving wife, active mom and wonderful mother-in-law. Her heart grew tenfold when she became a "Jojo" to three beautiful granddaughters, Sloan Olivia, Margaux Ava, and Cleo Grace. They taught her a thing or two about little girls, and she taught them how to kick a ball, shoot a basketball, and ride a bike. She would spend hours swinging them on the porch swing making up stories, singing, and talking about the love of Jesus. Mary Jo loved the outdoors. She would jog and walk all over Jacksonville. She loved to work in her yard planting flowers, pulling weeds and picking up pine cones. Mary Jo always looked forward to yearly trips to Tucson to see her oldest son Gene, his wife Meli, and their two girls Monica and Abbey. She loved to hike and take in all of God's creation. Mary Jo was a fierce competitor. She played softball well into her fifties. She was the loudest player on the field or in the stands. When she was not on the softball field she was in front of the television watching any sport she could find. Mary Jo worked 30 years for the Civil Service. She worked the majority of those years at the Little Rock Air Force Base. Mary Jo, or "Sissie" as her family called her, was the youngest of five sisters. She is preceded in death by Betty Scott and Laura Miller, both of Texas. She leaves behind, Ethel Senn of South Carolina, and Bobbie Shay of Texas. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength". (Deuteronomy 6:5) Mary Jo did just that. We find comfort in knowing she is resting in her Savior's loving arms. The family would like to thank Springhill Baptist ICU doctors, nurses, and staff, as well as the doctors and staff at Carti. Visitation will be Friday, February 2nd, at 1 p.m. and the service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Both will be held at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. The family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville building fund in lieu of flowers. Arrangements entrusted to Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136 Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.