Mary Jo McConnell Whitton

Mary Jo McConnell Whitton passed away in Awendaw, SC, December 26, 2023 surrounded by loved ones, her faithful dogs and her beloved plants. Her devoted husband, Earle Howard Whitton, preceded her exactly two months before.

She devoted her life to caring for others, her children, husband, parents and multitudes of heart patients in the Charlotte area. She spent her last months selflessly caring for her devoted husband while battling cancer herself. This was her style throughout life. She encouraged and nurtured this love of caring for others in her many nieces and nephews, whether it be in the medical field or giving of their time and energy to help those in need.

Mary Jo was born November 19, 1944, in Charleston, SC to the legendary Mary Belle McConnell and Aaron Blakely McConnell. She attended Mt. Pleasant Academy, General William Moultrie High School, and Conede Business School. Her notable work was as a surgical assistant for Cardiac Care Units in Charlotte, NC. Her passion was to own her own business and she and Earle started Charlotte Star Service in Charlotte and dedicated themselves to its growth. They both believed in mentoring others to learn skills to become self reliant and grew a second family among their employees and customers.

She loved travel, dogs, plants, friends and family. These were always abundantly present in her life. Her last years were spent by the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway she loved since childhood.

Mary Jo is survived by her children; J. Daniel Fairley (Karen) of Charlotte, NC and Matthew McConnell Fairley of Awendaw, SC; her three loving grandchildren, Harris Fairley, Jack Fairley, and Smith Fairley; her brother, Bonny McConnell, and sister, Julia Snyder.

The family would like to offer special recognition to those who made it possible for her to live her last months comfortably in her home; James McConnell, Christi Miller, Dr. Michael Mikola and the many relatives and neighbors who loved her.

The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at www2.jdrf.org.

Burial will be private. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mt. Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.