Mary Jo Ditter
Class of 1961

Portsmouth - Mary Jo Ditter, 71, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2014 after a bravely fought six year battle with breast cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Henry Ditter and her nephew, Don Whittington.

She is survived by her siblings, Dorothy Call, Jerry Ditter, Rebecca Fawcett, and David Ditter and his wife Rhonda; her daughter, Louise Ditter; a grandson, Brock Ditter; as well as by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Mary Jo was born in Mt. Olivet, Kentucky on June 1, 1943. Her family moved to Portsmouth, Virginia in 1952 where she graduated from Cradock High School in 1961. She proudly attended James Madison University where she graduated with her teaching degree in 1965.

Mary Jo taught in Richmond schools for two years where her students excelled in all areas of physical education, most notably in gymnastics. She moved to Cocoa Beach, Florida in 1969 where she finished her teaching career. Our mother was especially proud of Mary Jo when her school selected her as Teacher-of-the-Year.

Mary Jo was thrilled by the birth of her adored grandchild, Brock, who filled some of her last years with delight.

Devoted to family and friends and well-beloved of her hospice care-givers, Mary Jo will be greatly missed. The family wishes to express heart-felt thanks to all of her care-givers, especially Jessica Doney who took Mary Jo into her home in July and steadfastly and lovingly cared for her until she died in her arms last Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the breast cancer societies. Lee's Friends is a local society that is well-worth your donations and/or volunteership.

Family and friends will meet at 2 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at Mary Jo's memorial bench in Friendship Park at Portsmouth City Park to honor her memory.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on Aug. 28, 2014