Mary Jane Axley
Mary Jane Axley was born on June 5, 1924 in Sunfield, Ill. and returned to the Lord on Jan. 14, 2015, at the age of 90, from Phoenix, Ariz.
Mary Jane was the middle of three children of Thomas and Violet O'Keefe. The O'Keefe family resided in Sunfield, Ill. At the age of 18, Mary Jane married her long- time sweetheart, Junior Dean "Jay" Axley. As part of the greatest generation, both Jay and Mary Jane served in the WWII efforts. While Jay served in the U.S. Army, Mary Jane worked in a factory in San Francisco, Calif. that supported the war effort, very much like Rosie the Riveter.
In 1956 Mary Jane, Jay and Janet relocated to Phoenix, Ariz. Mary Jane worked for the Arizona Department of Public Safety for over 20 years. During their lifetime, Mary Jane and Jay led countless people to Christ, discipling them and other new believers on their journey as Christians. They served in outreach ministries through organizations, but also showed the love of Christ by performing random acts of kindness whenever they recognized a need, always thinking of the others before themselves.
After retirement they enjoyed traveling across the United States in their motor home, visiting all the places they had dreamed of during their lifetime. Mary Jane said goodbye to Jay in 2004 and had remained very active. As recently as last week, she could be seen burning up a mile of sidewalk on her walker between her house and her favorite restaurant where she ate lunch each day. Mary Jane also remained active in the lives of her daughter and son-in-law, grandson and wife as well as her great-grandchildren. She was loved by her family, neighbors and many friends. Her legacy is rich and strong.
Mary Jane is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jay, her parents Thomas and Violet O'Keefe, as well as her brother, Moe. She is survived by her sister, June Gans of Salina, Kans., her sister-in-law, Betty O'Keefe of Sunfield, Ill., her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Robert Coombs, her grandchildren, Brent and Paula Coombs and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Joshua Coombs, all of Phoenix, Ariz., as well as a large extended family in southern Illinois.
Mary Jane will be interred in Du Quoin, Ill. Private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that you carry on her legacy by performing a random act of kindness in her honor.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. has been entrusted with arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.