Mary Jo Bracewell

Mary Jo Bracewell was born on March 17, 1937, in Griffin, Georgia, to the late Lowell and Estell Jones. She lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and steadfast faith, and she was cherished by all who knew her. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and caring heart left a lasting impression on her family, friends, and community. Mary Jo, passed away on November 10, 2026, at the age of 89.

Mary Jo worked for many years at L&H Shirt Factory, PL Garment, Bruster’s Ice Cream and part owners of Dudley Garment, where she was known for her dependable nature and strong work ethic. She approached every responsibility with grace and determination, and she took pride in doing her best in all that she did.

A devoted Christian, Mary Jo was a faithful member of Rentz Baptist Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the way she loved and cared for those around her. She found joy in fellowship, worship, and the comfort of her church family, and she lived her beliefs in quiet and meaningful ways each day.

Mary Jo also shared her love of dance with others for many years. She taught line dancing for 27 years for the Laurens County Recreation Department, where she brought energy, encouragement, and enjoyment to countless people. She was also a member of the Irish Reelers Square Dancing Club for 45 years, a commitment that reflected both her enthusiasm for life and her appreciation for friendship and community. Through these activities, she touched many lives and created memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Family was central to Mary Jo’s life, and she deeply loved those closest to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Estell Jones; her first husband, Ollie Rowland; her grandson, Micky Barron; her grandson-in-law, Matt Guthrie; her sister, Juanita Sirmons; and her brothers, Ray Jones, Douglas Jones, and Charles Jones. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Elwin Bracewell; her daughter, Teresa Barron and Jimmy; her granddaughter, Amanda Guthrie; her great-granddaughter, Tiffany Barron; her great-great-grandson, Gabe Sanchez; her brother-in-law, Billy Sirmons; her sister-in-law, Katherine Jones; and her special nephew, Jonathon Bracewell and Allyson. She will also be remembered with love by many extended family members and dear friends whose lives she enriched over the years.

Mary Jo will be remembered as a loving, kind, and faith-filled woman whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion to family, commitment to church, and generosity of spirit.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 13, 2026 in the Mary Whitaker Townsend Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tom Vann and Steve Sirmons officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Henry Bracewell, Logan Palmer, Tracy Butler, Cade Spires, Steve Spires, Cole Spires. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Rentz Baptist Church.

Flowers will be accepted but those wishing to donate can make contributions, in Memory of Mary Jo Bracewell to Rentz Baptist Church P.O. Box 35 Rentz, GA. 31075 or Family Hospice 1825 Veterans Blvd. Suite 1 Dublin, GA. 31021.