Mary Jo Penwell
Mary Jo Penwell, 81, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, hard work, and memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
July 19, 1945 – August 15, 2026
Mary Jo Penwell, 81, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, hard work, and memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Mary Jo was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Beulah and Joe Pritchett on July 19, 1945. She was raised alongside her siblings, Vivian, Dean, and Hershel, and carried the values she learned growing up throughout her life.
Mary Jo dedicated 30 years of her life to serving the City of Texarkana, Arkansas, where she worked at City Hall. She was known for her strong work ethic, dependability, and the pride she took in everything she did. Mary Jo believed in working hard, doing things right, and always giving her best. Those who worked alongside her knew they could count on her, and her dedication was a reflection of the kind of person she was.
Outside of work, Mary Jo found happiness in the simple things she loved most. She had a special place in her heart for dogs and softball, two things that brought her joy and created many cherished memories throughout her life.
Family was always an important part of Mary Jo’s world. She shared many years of life with her husband, Wendell Penwell, and together they built a family and a home filled with memories. Her daughter, Wende Jo Penwell, was also a deeply meaningful part of her life. Through the many seasons of life, both the joyful and the difficult, Mary Jo’s love for her family remained at the center of who she was.
Mary Jo is survived by her granddaughter, Mindee Jo Penwell; her husband, Joshua Briggs; and their son, her great-grandson, Elijah Briggs. She is also survived by her grandson, Joseph Quinn Penwell; his wife, Ariel Looper; and their daughter, her great-granddaughter, Alessa Penwell; as well as her youngest granddaughter, Raven Jo Penwell.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former coworkers, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Mary Jo leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves behind the example of a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, took pride in what she did, and found happiness in the people and simple things that mattered most to her. Her life touched many people, and her love and memory will continue to live on through the generations of family who knew and loved her.
Courtesy of Texarkana Funeral Home.