Mary Jo Wilson-Spencer

Mary Jo Wilson-Spencer, 88, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, after an extended illness in Aiken, South Carolina. Born on September 3, 1937, in Columbia, South Carolina, Mary Jo was raised on a farm in Holly Hill, South Carolina. She lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her community.

Mary Jo was the daughter of Thaddeus, “Dutch”, and Carrie Breeland. She graduated from Holly Hill High School and went on to attend Columbia College. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Savannah River Site before finding her favorite roles that allowed her to support and inspire young people. For 25 years, she served as the librarian at Mead Hall School, where she touched countless lives with her warmth and guidance. She also worked as the office administrator at the Crosby School of Dance, further extending her influence among the youth of Aiken.

Mary Jo had a great love of music, both spiritual and theatrical. She shared her love of music and theatre with the Aiken community through performances in numerous musicals at the Aiken Community Playhouse and Diabetes Benefit productions. She was also a dedicated member of the Aiken Women’s Heart Fund Show cast for three decades of performances.

A woman of deep faith, Mary Jo grew up in the Methodist Church and remained an active member of St. John's Methodist Church throughout her life. Her voice graced the church choir for an extraordinary 62 years. She served as president of the United Methodist Women for two terms and as state president for 1 year, chaired the beloved Apple Fest event, and participated faithfully in a Monday morning Bible study group for more than 25 years.

Mary Jo enjoyed a full social life that included supper clubs, wine tasting club, and various neighborhood groups. She also cherished decades spent with friends over weekly bridge games - moments filled with laughter and camaraderie that brought joy to her later years.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband Joseph D. Spencer; daughter Betsy Wilson-Mahoney (Mark); son Lowrie R. Wilson (Amy); stepchildren Rette Spencer, Mary Spencer and Tom Spencer; grandchildren Marshall Mahoney, Lizzie Boyer (David), Brandon Wilson, and Davis Wilson; great-granddaughter Breeland Boyer; and sister Carolyn Parler. She was preceded in death by her first husband Elmer L. Wilson; parents Thaddeus and Carrie Breeland; and brother-in-law Buster Parler.

Mary Jo’s legacy is one of kindness, creativity, faithfulness, and unwavering dedication to those around her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held on November 4, 2025, at 03:00 PM at St. John's Methodist Church 104 Newberry St NW. (The service will be livestreamed at https://stjohnsmethodist.subspla.sh/xv969d9.)  A private internment will precede the service. Honorary pallbearers will be cast members of the Aiken Women’s Heart Fund Show.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John’s Methodist choir, P.O. Box 809, Aiken, SC 29802.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC