Our beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, Mary Jo O'Neal passed away peacefully at her home Tuesday August 9, 2016.

Mary Jo was born to Myrtice Williams and Roy Kennedy on June 25, 1931 in Clayton, New Mexico.

As a young girl growing up and working in her parent's dairy, Mary Jo began to develop the stellar work ethic and admirable character that she maintained throughout her life.

After college graduation, Mary Jo began her career as a home economist and 4H Leader with the Cooperative Extension Service in September 1953 in Lovington, New Mexico. She later came to Deming since 1970 having moved here from Lovington.

Mary Jo retired in 1987 from Cooperative Extension after 33 years of dedicated service to education. She was a member of the Cowboy Baptist Church and Borderbelles but many remember her special talent that she had in the kitchen. She was a great cook and many were fortunate to be recipients of her generosity.

Following her marriage to rodeo cowboy Johnny Leroy (Goldie) Carlton she became the proud mother of her "Three J's", daughters Jacquetta, Jo Lynn, and Janelle. After the tragic, untimely death of her husband in 1965, Mary Jo continued her education at Colorado State University while raising three young girls with a perseverance second to none. In 1970 Mary Jo married Retired Lt. Col. Edwin J. O'Neal and lived together as family along with the "Three J's" until his death in 1976.

Mary Jo is survived by her daughters, Jo Lynn Kinman (William) of Deming, Janelle Kiker of Stephenville, TX; her sister, Martha Jean Carter of Clayton, NM; 10 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin James O'Neal, daughter Jacquetta Bucher, brother Donald Kennedy, sister Hazel Cornett, and 2 grandchildren, Ryan Kinman and James Bucher.

Visitation will be Friday from 4 to 6 at Baca's Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday August 13, 2016 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Hamilton and Reverend Bruce Medlin officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.