Mary Jo Mauldin Davidson

Mrs. Mary Jo Mauldin Davidson, aged 89, peacefully passed away on the evening of Sunday, April 12, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home, conducted by Pastor Ronald Thurman and Brent Taylor. A committal service will follow at Thompson Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, officiated by Nathan Gardner. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 PM on Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home, as well as at other times at the residence of Richard and Cathy Carnes. The service will be live streamed on the Miller Rivers Caulder Funeral Home Facebook page.

To celebrate Mrs. Mary Jo’s joyful farewell on earth, the family invites you to dress in cheerful spring attire.

Mrs. Mary Jo was born on New Year’s Eve of 1936, in Chesterfield, SC the youngest daughter of the late Lawson C. Mauldin and Addie Mae Lee Mauldin. She was affectionately known to her loved ones as "Momma,” “Granny Pete" and the "Queen Bee" of her family. Mrs. Mary Jo was the heart of her family. She loved her daughter, Cathy, and son-in-law, Richard, beyond measure. She was a caring, genuine grandmother who would do anything for her grandchildren and great grands. She always wanted to make sure her family members and friends were taken care of. Her favorite saying was “do your best and God will do the rest.” She passed on many life lessons and wisdom that will forever be treasured.

Mrs. Mary Jo was a graduate of Ruby High School and began her professional journey at the age of 15 at the Old Weaving Mill in Cheraw, SC. She later became one of the first women to work at Burlington Industries, paving the way for many to follow. She was a true leader. Her creative spirit bloomed through her lifelong love of flowers. After working with Ms. Doreen Douglas at the local flower shop, she founded and operated Flowers by Mary Jo for approximately 50+ years. Even in her later years, she found great pride and joy in assisting Lisa and Calvin Gibson at the Grapevine Florist.

Mrs. Mary Jo was a faithful member of Thompson Creek Baptist Church for over 70 years before later joining Ruby Baptist Church. Her musical God given talent was a gift to her congregation, family, and friends; she began playing the piano at age 12 and continued to serve as one of the church pianists until approximately three months ago. Mrs. Mary Jo was once a member of the Sun Lighters Quartet gospel group.

Her commitment to service extended into the community as a member of the Eastern Star, where she once served as the youngest Worthy Matron of South Carolina. She was a dedicated volunteer for Hospice of Chesterfield County and the Sunshine Shoppe. She made lifelong friendships there and everywhere she went. In her spare time she found immense joy in creating flower arrangements and crafts for the patients at Spring Hill Assisted Living and local "shut-ins." She was known for her bright smile and spreading joy to others.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Hazel E. Davidson and Thomas M. "Tom" Davis of 7 years; sisters Lou Ella Rivers (John), Dalphine Sellers (Jerome), and Loretta Parker (Charlie); grandson-in-law, Everett Demby; great granddaughter, Elaina Carnes.

Mrs. Mary Jo is survived by her daughter, Cathy D. Carnes, and husband, Richard of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Krista D. Lambert (Wade), Lee Carnes (Meredith); great-grandchildren Devin Carnes, Hazee Demby, Sawyer Lambert, and Max Carnes; in addition to special nieces, “Davidson girls” and beloved nephews, Ronnie Parker (Melissa) and Gettys Horne (Cynthia).

Mrs. Mary Jo’s legacy of kindness, joy, music, and creativity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorials may be made to Ruby Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5, Ruby, SC; The Sunshine Shoppe c/o Hospice of Chesterfield County Foundation, P.O. Box 293, Chesterfield, SC 29709, or Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield, 205 E. Main Street, Chesterfield, SC 29709.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Davidson family.