Mary Jo Breen Beavin

Preceded in death by husband, Forrest W. Beavin, Jr. (Bill), daughter, Susan Frances Beavin, grandson, Paul T. Beavin, Jr., parents, Paul and Anna Marie Breen and brothers, Paul Breen, Bill Breen, and Tom Breen.

Survived by children: JoAnn Thombs (Dave), Kitty Steffenhagen (Bill), Forrest W. Beavin lll, Paul T. Beavin, Sr. (Mary Ann), Patty Beavin; grandchildren: Jay Bracewell (Melissa), Jenny Beasley (Robin) of Birmingham, AL, Susan Mary Steffenhagen, Will Beavin (Katie) of Columbia, SC, Patrick Beavin (Sarah), Susan George (Robert), and John Beavin; great grandchildren: Kayce Bracewell and Sylvia Beasley; sisters: Anne Treadway and Dorothy Williams (Wallace) of Birmingham, AL; sisters-in-law: Betty Breen, Jean Breen of Memphis, TN, Barbara Breen, brothers: Hugh Breen (Mary), Rev. Joseph P. Breen, and Rev. Philip M. Breen and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mary Jo was born in Nashville where she lived all her life except for a short time in Memphis, TN. She was educated at Cathedral and Christ the King elementary schools and St. Bernard High School. She attended Peabody College.

Mary Jo devoted her life to her six children, her family, and her faith. She belonged to the Ladies of Charity, The Colonna Club, and The League of Women Voters. She taught literacy for the metro program. She volunteered at Overbrook School and St. Henry School where she was proud to be present at every Grandparent’s Day. She sang with the St. Henry Choir for many years.

For the past 11 years, she lived at the Health Center at Richland Place where she had many friendships with the other residents, staff and nurses. Mary Jo participated in the variety of activities Richland Place hosted, especially bingo.

Mary Jo enjoyed having standing lunch and dinner dates with her family and friends. She loved her Saturday lunch date at The Picnic and the Friday night dinners at O’Charley’s. On weekends, Mary Jo could be found wearing her sunglasses and floppy hat on Old Hickory Lake with her family. She enjoyed being on the lake watching her grandchildren from the captain’s seat of the pontoon boat.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care of Dr. John Guenst and his staff. The family also wishes to thank the compassionate staff at the The Health Center at Richland Place for their care, concern, and devotion to their mother.

On Wednesday, July 22 the Rosary will be said by the Ladies of Charity at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation at St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass to be held at St. Henry Catholic Church on Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m.; Rev. Joseph P. Breen, celebrant, Rev. Philip M. Breen and Rev. Michael O. Johnston co-celebrants. Interment will follow at the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

Donations may be made to St. Henry Catholic Church, St. Cecilia Motherhouse, and The Ministry to the Sick & Homebound at St. Henry Catholic Church.