Mary Jo Galloway Almond Yeager

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Mary Jo Galloway Almond Yeager, who departed this world on May 25, 2026, at the age of 73. She left us peacefully after a courageous battle with arterial disease, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family. Born on March 25, 1953, in Meridian, Mississippi, Mary Jo was a beacon of light and love. She was the cherished daughter of the late Willie Jo Galloway and Bobbie Hudson Galloway, whose enduring values she carried throughout her life. Her sister Frances Delores Galloway Rester and granddaughter Brittany Johnson welcomed her into eternity. Mary Jo's life was a testament to the beauty of nurturing and community. She had an unparalleled gift for making everyone feel welcome, her home always open, her arms ever ready to embrace. Her love for children was evident in every interaction and was reflected in her cherished relationships with her six grandchildren: Ashley Cage, Allie Shaver, Morgan Nourse, Amber Hayes, Elise LaBarre, and Alex and Austin Hodum. She delighted in her seven great-grandchildren, and their laughter was her music, their happiness her joy. A talented quilter and seamstress, Mary Jo found joy and expression in the art of creating. Her quilts were more than fabric and thread; they were stories of love, warmth, and family. She shared these gifts generously, weaving her love into every stitch. Mary Jo's journey was shared with a loving family who will continue to honor her legacy: her devoted sisters, Diane Raiford and husband Michael, and Barbara Baughman and husband Dwaine; her beloved daughters, Brenda Hayes and husband James "Skipper," Patricia LaBarre and husband Jacque, and Susan Almond and wife Beth, who were the very essence of her pride and joy. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Rhonda and Crystal at The Guest, whose care and compassion made Mary Jo's final days ones of dignity and comfort. Special thanks are also extended to the nurses who provided Mary Jo with exceptional care and kindness. A service celebrating Mary Jo's life will be held at Auld's Funeral Home, where family and friends will gather to honor the beautiful spirit of a woman who touched so many lives. In remembrance of Mary Jo, may we all strive to create a world as welcoming and loving as the one she did. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and her spirit will forever guide us with warmth, love, and an unyielding embrace. "Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard,