Mary Jo Dillman

Mary Jo Dillaman, 90, formerly of Grosse Pointe, Michigan died August 9, 2008 at Henry Ford Village Retirement Community, Dearborn, MI. She was born and raised in West Virginia, the daughter of John Roy Walley and Nana Elizabeth (Null) Walley. She was born October 24, 1917 in Mannington, West Virginia. Mary Jo married Earl G. Dillaman June 3, 1939 and he passed away January 17, 1977. In 1984 she married Earl's cousin Clayton Dillaman. He died November, 2002.

Mary Jo was the salutatorian of the 1935 graduating class of Shinnston (WV) High School. She continued her education at Fairmont State College (Fairmont, WV) where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in education. She earned a master's degree in education from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.

Mary Jo was a teacher and administrator for 35 years with service in Shinnston, WV, Huntington, WV and Grosse Pointe, Michigan. She retired after 20 years of service to the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Mary Jo was actively involved in curriculum development, gifted and talented education, educational television development and author of "The Grosse Pointe Cursive Writing System."

Mary Jo was a member of the Sigma Theta Rho social sorority in college, Delta Kappa Gamma educational sorority, PEO, Michigan and National Education Association, the Grosse Pointe Retired Teachers Association, and the Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. After her retirement she enjoyed world travel, bridge, golf, reading and spending time with her family.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, sister Esther Saunders, and two brothers Blaine Walley and Ralph Walley.

She is survived by her two children: Diane Barber and husband Alan of Greencastle, IN. and John Dillaman and wife Nancy of Grosse Pointe, MI. She has four grandsons: Eric Dillaman of Austin, TX; Jason and Helena Dillaman of Washington, DC; David and Jayme Barber of Greencastle, IN and Jonathan Barber of Greencastle, IN.

A memorial service was held on August 12, 2008 at the Henry Ford Village Chapel, Dearborn, MI. Committal services were August 14, 2008 at the Memorial Gardens of the Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church in Greencastle, IN.