Mary Jo Clark, age 72, of Lincoln, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary Jo was born on November 28, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Victor and Lillian (Mitchell) Novotony. She was raised in Kansas City and graduated from Hickman Mills High School.
On February 20, 1988, she was united in marriage to Dennis Clark. Together they made their home in Lincoln, Missouri. Mary Jo was employed at the Lincoln Nursing Home and later worked as a waitress at Papa Joe’s Restaurant for more than twenty years. She was known for her loving and caring spirit and treated every customer as if they were family. Mary Jo was a joy to be around, and those who knew her were truly blessed to call her a friend.
She was a devoted member of Abundant Life Church in Cole Camp. Mary Jo enjoyed playing bingo and planting a garden, but her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and grandchildren. Whether at home or traveling to attend ball games and activities, she cherished every moment with them.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Frances Teeters; and a granddaughter, Destiny Novotny.
She is survived by her husband, Dennis Clark, of the home; four children, Victor Novotny of Lincoln, Missouri, Bobby Clark (Robert) of Gladstone, Missouri, Crystal Korang (Joe) of Lincoln, Missouri, and Tara Sanders (Angelo) of Warsaw, Missouri; one sister, Peggie Novotny of Clinton, Missouri; one brother, Robert Novotny of Osceola, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Emily Novotny, Lailah Sanders, Dalen Korang, Alainna Sanders, Ariel Korang, Samuel Sanders, Rachel Sanders, and Mya Sanders; along with numerous other relatives and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held beginning at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Abundant Life Church near Cole Camp, Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis-Miller Funeral Home, Lincoln.
