Mary Jo (Dozier) Heys

Mary Jo Dozier Heys, who lived a long and blessed life of 100 years, died Monday at Alexian Health Center.

The daughter of Fred Lane and Frances Cook Dozier, Mary Jo was born in 1917 in Monticello, Ga., and graduated from Monticello High School. She attended Georgia State College for Women and Draughon’s Business School before beginning a business career in Atlanta, where she met and married the late Thomas Baisden Heys Sr. in 1939. During World War II, she joined him on his stateside assignments with the Navy before he went to the South Pacific.

Mary Jo and Tom moved to Chattanooga in 1946 and were active citizens of the community for the next seven decades. Married for 70 years, they were dedicated members of First-Centenary United Methodist Church, where Mary Jo was president of the Altar Guild, a circle leader for the United Methodist Women, and a member of the Mohney Sunday School Class. Early on, Mary Jo was a committed weekly volunteer at the former Wesley Community Center.

Her greatest service to others came in her frequent outreach of love and concern to friends, neighbors, and family. She nurtured and cherished many friendships and was known for her hospitality and graciousness.

She loved gardening and was a longtime contributor to the Missionary Ridge Garden Club. She was also a member of the Judge David Campbell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Tennessee Society of Colonial Dames.

She is survived by two sons, Tom Heys Jr. (Ann) and Sam Heys (Pat) of Atlanta; six greatly loved grandchildren, Karen Heys (Alex Naar) of Accokeek, Md., Tommy Heys (Meredith Rose) of Concord, Mass., Jeff Heys (Penny Bauder) of San Diego, Patricia Heys (Chris Raffield), Sam Heys (Christi), and Elizabeth Heys, all of Atlanta; eleven great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jeannette Dozier Brown of Palm City, Fla.

The family would like to thank the many dedicated caregivers with Alexian Home Care and at Alexian Health Center who assisted Mary Jo in her final years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 AM Friday, December 8 at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, with visitation beginning at 10:30. Dr. Douglas Fairbanks, Dr. Linda McDaniel, and Dr. David Harr will officiate. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First-Centenary United Methodist Church.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Rd.

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