Obituary of Mary Jo Lovell
Mary Jo Seals was born on November 4, 1935 in Tazewell, Tennessee. She was one of five children born from the union of Edgar Seals and Birdie Bee (Griffin) Seals. She was educated in Tazewell prior to moving to Michigan in the mid 1940’s.
She married Thurman Lovell in Kentucky on December 26, 1953. The couple were blessed with five children of their own. Mary moved to Woodland Beach in 1973 where she made her home until her passing. She worked at a local hotel in Monroe on Telegraph Road for several years performing cleaning and janitorial work. She then took a position with Monroe Convalescent Center as a Nurse’s Aide where she remained for the next twenty years.
Mary was a tough cookie in spite of her small stature. She was the matriarch of her family and didn’t take crap from anyone. Mary loved all family unconditionally and was willing to go to blows to defend someone she cared about. In fact, at one time or another every member of her family from child to great grandchild had made their home with her, and since she was ornery, she would always complain about having house guests but her door was always open. She was quite the collector from receipts to paperwork, angels, and pigs, she kept everything.
She loved to play bingo, anywhere she could, although she locally frequented St. Anne's Church, the Oddfellows, and the Knights of Columbus Hall. Mary also looked forward to casino trips to play the slots, and loved girl’s night, when she would be joined by Diana Lovell, Joy McMullen, Theresa Wilson, Samantha Bomia, Lacy Bergmooser, Judith Madej, and Bev Benore to name a few. She was an avid sports fan constantly cheering on her hometown teams the Detroit Red Wings, Pistons, and Tigers.
Mary Jo Lovell age 86, of Monroe passed away at home on Tuesday; February 1, 2022. Her passing was preceded by her parents; her beloved husband: Thurman on March 21, 1994; two sons: John Lovell in 2006 and David Lovell in 1989; a sister: Carol Carter in 1991; a granddaughter: Shelby Lynne Lunsford-Dussia; and her close friend whom she was a caregiver to for more than fifteen years, Larry Everett LaPointe on December 5, 2021.
To cherish her memory she leaves three children: Judith (Andrew) Madej of Monroe; Danny Lovell of Monroe; and Brian Lovell formerly of Monroe; one sister: Linda Griffith of Frankfort, Kentucky; two brothers: James Seals (Pat Cole) of Monroe and Charles Seals of Monroe; eight grandchildren: Michael (Angela) Lovell of Monroe, Shannon Evans of Monroe, Diana Lovell of Monroe, Joy McMullen (Lonnie) of South Lyon, Codie Lovell of Monroe, Lindsay Lovell of Monroe, Nicholas Lovell of Monroe, and Nathan Lovell of Monroe; twenty great grandchildren; and thirteen great-great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 5:00pm on Saturday; February 12, 2022 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. At 5:00pm friends and family will celebrate her life by sharing memories.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.