Mary Jo (Mehan) Martin

She was a Lanphier High School, class of 1951, graduate and served as a member of the class reunion committee until 2010.

In her youth, she worked for her parents’ concession stand at Memorial Swimming Pool, as well as the Mehan family concession stand at the Illinois State Fair. Mary Jo retired in 2001 as a PSA from the Illinois Department of Revenue with 22 years of service in the Corporation and Withholding Tax Division. She dedicated her retirement to volunteering at the Holy Family Food Pantry for 10 years, sharing her passion for cooking by catering parties and wedding receptions for family and friends, and loving her grandchildren with all that she was.

Mary Jo was a loving, giving, and selfless mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her life revolved around her children and grandchildren. Mary Jo enjoyed reading, shopping for sales and getting the best deal, lunches with friends, and going to the casino.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, William J. and James R. Mehan; and sister, Helen Jean (Jeanne) Porter.

Mary Jo is survived by her two sons, Douglas N. Martin of Springfield, and Joel R. Martin of Daytona Beach, FL; daughter, Melissa J. Cooper of Springfield; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ryan M. Martin and his children, Mackenzie, Mariah, and Maddox, Ashley J. (Andrew) Tinsley and their children, Braedyn, Charles, Emry, Kobe, and Brooks, Rachel J. (D.J.) Graham and their children, Hannah, Olivia, and Maddex, Brittany M. (Christopher) Wright and a son on the way, Stephanie C. Cooper, Andrew J. Martin, and Lindsey C. Martin; four nephews; two nieces; life-long best friend, Dodie Santini Dresch; and many, many friends.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

The family will be hosting a Memorial Gathering from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at Real Life Church, 2701 Hermitage Rd., Springfield, IL. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 11:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Springfield, 1625 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702

The family was served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.