JO SHIRLEY VICKERY

Seneca, SC — Jo Vickery of Seneca, SC passed away on April 22, 2024, at the age of 83.

 

She was born in 1941 as the oldest child of the late Evelyn Simpson and Guy Harwell Shirley. Jo spent her childhood in Williamston, SC where she met and married her husband of 52 years, Jerry Tyle Vickery, Sr. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Carol Shirley, who died as a young child but was never forgotten.

 

Jo’s family loved her joyful spirit and will remember her with grateful hearts. These include her brother David (and Linda) Shirley; three children and their spouses, Jerry (and Lynette) Vickery, Jeffrey (and Tonya) Vickery, Juliana (and Andy) Smyth; grandchildren, Trey (and Allison) Vickery, Tucker (and Aly) Vickery-Cifuentes, Sydney (and Loudon) Rosier, Elizabeth (and Elliott) Vickery-Lewis, Ally (and A.J.) Hawkins, Andrew Smyth, Michael Smyth, and Jeffrey Smyth; and great-grandchildren, Adam, Elliot, Cora Vickery, and Enzo Vickery-Cifuentes.

 

Jo earned degrees in music from Anderson and Lander College concentrating her studies in piano. Her life was always musical, a gift she shared with others through her years as a school music teacher, private piano teacher, church pianist, and Minister of Music. She began playing the piano in church at the age of 13 and played for choirs and congregations throughout her life, from Williamston to Charleston, to Seneca, eventually serving as Minister of Music at Trinity Baptist Church in Seneca, SC. Throughout her years as a public-school music teacher in Oconee County, she taught every age from elementary to high school and was beloved by her students and colleagues alike.

 

A worship service to celebrate her life will be held at 3:00 PM, Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Trinity Baptist Church with entombment to follow at Heritage Memorial Gardens.

 

The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 PM, Thursday, prior to the service, at Trinity Baptist Church.

 

Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry at Trinity Baptist Church, 504 S. Oak Street, Seneca, SC 29678; or to Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.