Mamie Jo Baird

Mamie “Jo” Baird, 93 of Austin passed away November 17, 2012. Born February 23, 1919 in Hico, TX. Jo was preceded in death by her parents Carlton and Ola McKeage, her husband’s Dennis White and Stampley Baird and son Kent Baird. Jo was a devoted Christian, mother, wife, grandmother and registered nurse. Survivors left to cherish her memory are daughters Sandra Roberts, Dixie Delaney and husband Bill, granddaughters Kelly Page and husband Jamie, Michelle Cox and husband Stevie, great grandchildren Trent and Shane Page, beloved niece Carole Dean Baird, extended family Mike and Marion Damen, Steve and Lolly Henry, Jay and Colleen Willis, Ernest Roberts, Michelle W. Childs, Richard Hale, Cheryl McVey, Marie Carter, Jo Cullum, Lillian Hibbs and Jo’s precious dog “Gabby.”

In order to pursue her education after high school Jo collected egg money to purchase stamps to mail her nursing school application to Harris School of Nursing in Ft. Worth in 1937, graduating with a B.S. in 1940. Jo went on to serve mankind for over 50 years in many nursing capacities to include: floor nurse, surgical nurse, ER nurse, school nurse, charge nurse, director of nursing and administrator of nursing at various hospitals throughout the United States.

During her career Jo encountered a situation where a woman about to deliver a baby was denied admission to the hospital when Jo was on duty. Disobeying hospital policy, Jo went to the woman’s aid and delivered the baby in the parking lot of the hospital. While hospital administrators looked the other way her fellow nurses lauded her compassion and her strict adherence to the code of medical ethics. In 1989, at the age of 70, Jo retired from Matagorda General Hospital in Bay City, Texas.

Throughout her retirement Jo enjoyed living with her daughter Sandee, pursuing her community outreach activities and donating her paintings, ceramics, quilts and embroidery to charity. Jo had a huge heart and was a woman of great wit with a brilliant mind.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday November 24 at Walnut Creek Baptist Church, 12062 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers contributions should be made to your favorite nonprofit organization, in memory of Mamie Jo Baird.