Mary Jo (Olive) Dreading, a resident of Daphne, AL, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 88.
Mary was born in Cottonwood, AL where she lived with her mother (her father died when she was 9 months old) and siblings until the age of 7. Her mother moved the family to Prichard, AL for work and this is where she grew up and met her husband of 64 years, James (Pete) Dreading.
Mary and Pete moved to Daphne, AL and it is there that they raised their three children and welcomed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the family. Pete and Mary loved the Lord and were always active in church, first at Daphne Baptist, then Old Spanish Fort Baptist and lastly, Spanish Trail Baptist Church. Teaching children in Sunday School and VBS brought Mary immense joy and allowed her to plant seeds of faith in the next generation.
Mary found quiet peace and creative fulfillment in the delicate art of needlepointing, crocheting and quilting. Her greatest joy was in raising her children and nurturing others. She expressed her deep love through wonderful meals that welcomed family and friends to the table.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Algar Olive and Dollie Shirah Olive; her husband, James Dreading; siblings, James (Geraldine) Olive, Lamar (Gladys) Olive, Grace (Clyde) Morris, and Martha (Hollis) Headly.
Survived by her children, Deborah (Russell) Lindley, David (David) Dreading, and Lori (Greg) Wilder. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Peter (Amy) Burmeister, Olivia Wilder, Caleb Wilder; and her great-grandchildren, Maggie Burmeister and Charlotte Burmeister.
Graveside Funeral services will be held at Memory Gardens of Fairhope, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 10AM.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Mary Jo was a testament to what a wife, mother, sister, and friend should be. She had the sweetest, kindest heart. Always carrying that sweet smile. She is at home with her beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She always had a smile and a hug whenever we attended church with my parents at Old Spanish Trail. She will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers for the family 🙏
Deepest condolences and prayers for the family. Ms Mary Jo was a wonderful, sweet,and kind lady.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was such a precious lady……I can still hear her laughter! …… and now reunited with her Savior, Pete and so many loved ones. Prayers for comfort and peace for all the family.