Mary Jo Wheeler Taylor

Mary Jo Wheeler Taylor, 83, of Moultrie, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Legacy Village.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 pm Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at First Baptist Church Moultrie with Reverend Matt Peek and Reverend Julian Griner officiating. A private family interment will follow at Westview Cemetery. John Griffin, Plenn Hunnicutt, Wheeler Hunnicutt, JW Griffin, Lee Davis, Mark DeMott, Dante Merritt, and Avery Castleberry will serve as pallbearers. Carol Broom, Lita Clifton, Diane Stines, Connie Fleetwood, and Tiara Licona will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service starting at 4:00 pm.

Born on December 27, 1942, in Moultrie, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Wilson Wheeler and Dillye Murphy Wheeler. Mary Jo Wheeler Taylor was one of a kind. Her light shined brightly, not just on her own family, but for every person who got to experience the joy of knowing her. She was known as “Nana”, not only to her own family, but to children of all ages—an ever-present figure in celebrations big and small. Her spirit of love and care shaped everything she did, bringing a unique light into the lives of everyone around her. Her presence was a quiet anchor, a steady cheer from the sidelines, often with a plate of brownies or a handmade sign in hand. Always showing up for her grandchildren, she never missed a golf tournament, baseball game, football game, gymnastics meet, cheer competition, choir concert, or any other special milestone.

Her greatest blessings came from 42 years of teaching at Colquitt County High School and later at Hamilton Elementary School. She believed that every child had unique potential and deserved to be encouraged, supported, and celebrated. More than an educator, she was a steadfast cheerleader for each of her students, always recognizing their strengths and inspiring them to believe in themselves. She rejoiced in their successes, stood beside them through their challenges, and never stopped encouraging them to reach for their dreams.

Her classroom was a place where students felt welcomed, valued, and cared for. She had a remarkable ability to make every student feel seen and important, regardless of their background or abilities. The relationships she built extended far beyond the classroom, and many of her former students remembered not only the lessons she taught but also the kindness, compassion, and confidence she instilled in them.

She was deeply loved and respected by her students and fellow faculty members alike. Her warmth, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for children left a lasting impact on generations of students. The lives she touched through her patience, encouragement, and belief in others remain part of her enduring legacy.

Generosity was simply part of who Nana was, always looking for chances to pick up a special gift for others. For Nana, the true joy comes from brightening someone’s day, no matter the cost. Faith was the quiet strength behind it all, shaping everything Nana did. Prayer life was always a vital part of her life, carrying her through the good times and bad, every day of her life. Nana would often reflect on the stories her grandchildren would tell one day—stories not just of victories or milestones, but of the love and laughter woven through their lives. Nana’s life on earth was full to bursting. Her memory is in the school halls where she shaped young minds, in the birthday balloons fluttering in the breeze, in the quiet faith and fierce kindness that ripple through every corner of her family’s story. Mary Jo lived well and loved well. Her bright, radiant smile is missed greatly, but no doubt, Heaven is brighter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Patten Wheeler.

Mrs. Taylor is survived by her daughters, JoBeth Hunnicutt and husband, Plenn and Stacy Griffin and husband, John; grandchildren, Wheeler Hunnicutt and wife Alexis, Kilby Hunnicutt and fiancé, Carter Boatwright, JW Griffin and Sophie Griffin; great-grandchild, Sophia Hunnicutt; special niece, Lisa Winburn, for whom she was a loving and devoted caretaker; Godchildren, Mark DeMott and Nikki DeMott Yarbrough of Valdosta.

We want to thank her special caregivers, especially Ms. Carolyn Huckabee, and the staff of Legacy Village for taking such good care of her.

Donations can be made to CURE Foundation at https://curechildhoodcancer.org/donate/ or Colquitt Regional Hospice, 415 Rowland Drive Moultrie, Georgia 31768.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.