Mary Jo Birley, 88, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 14, 2019 in the comforts of her home. She was born on February 8, 1931 in Mount Carmel, the daughter of Lee Allen and Lois (Wright) Shaffer. She married Donald Lee Birley who preceded her in death.

Mary Jo was one of the first employees of the Bank of Mount Carmel and a long-time employee of Dersch Energies Inc., formerly known as Dersch Oil. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Indiana University Chapter and Beta Sigma Phi of Mount Carmel. She had been a member and had served faithfully as a Deacon, a Sunday School teacher, as well as Treasurer of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ for many years.

Mary Jo will be lovingly remembered by her son, Kenneth and his wife Mary Birley of North Carolina; grandson, Paul and his wife Jaclyn Birley of Florida and one great-granddaughter, Paisley Rae Birley.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her husband, and her parents.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2019 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2019 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastors Virgil and Sue Knipp officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.

The family has requested no flowers or gifts. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jo’s memory to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Mary Jo’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Birley family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com