Mary Mcmichael

Mary Jo (Smith) McMichael (84), peacefully passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2016, in Birmingham, AL. She was born on May 24, 1932 at her parents' home in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from West Fulton High in 1949. She was a good student, known to be an excellent speller and musically gifted. She was a girl scout and also loved to play softball. She married on September 2, 1949 to Billy Hilman McMichael and was married to him for 60 years. Early in her marriage she played the piano and organ at her church. Mary Jo worked for Horn Wilson in Atlanta, GA, for several years. After moving to Birmingham, she worked for BTNB Bank. In 1972, she and Billy bought the Irondale CafAC. and owned it for 28 years. During that time they expanded seating capacity from 40 to 90 and then well over 200 in 1991. They catered many functions for many individuals, families, and businesses. She wrote a cookbook entitled "Irondale CafAC. Original Whistle Stop Cookbook" and enjoyed going to book signings throughout the southeast after it was published. She, along with her husband and son, Bill Jr., developed the Irondale CafAC. Original Whistle Stop Batter Mixes which can be found in local stores. Mrs. McMichael was a member of the Eastern Star and the Birmingham Women's Civic Club where she held many offices including president. She was a faithful member of Eastside Baptist Church where she served for many years using her cooking and hospitality gifts. She also played piano at a local nursing home on occasion. Mary Jo loved singing, especially in harmony with others. She enjoyed shopping and giving gifts to people. Mrs. McMichael will be remembered for being an excellent cook with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She kept her positive attitude until her last days in the hospital. She will be remembered as a peace maker, an optimist, and a humble spirit. Hospital staff and doctors will remember her for never complaining, always thanking them and for always wearing her lipstick. Mary Jo was a people person and loved playing games, watching Alabama Crimson Tide football and the Atlanta Braves with family and friends. She was an avid reader and enjoyed reading poetry, as well. Often she would tell her family that she "loved them from deep within her heart." Over the last few years, she would rarely say "Bye" but rather "Bye for now" to her beloved family. As a family of believers in Christ we know we will see her again and that truly it is only "Bye for now." She is survived by her children: Billy H. McMichael, Jr. (Sandi) of Pelham, Beth Nail of Trussville, and Connie Martin (Brian) of Leeds; Grandchildren: Brooke Oliver (Casey), Mary-Joan Martin, and Luke Martin and other grandchildren and great grandchildren by marriage, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews residing primarily in Georgia and Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Hilman McMichael, Sr.; her son in law, Dwayne Nail; her parents Mary Alma Frances Baker Smith and John William Smith; and 8 brothers and sisters (Grace, Samuel, J.W. Smith, Ruth Brown, Doris McCurry, Marjorie Grogan, Venice Briggs, and Gladys Ritchey). The family would like to thank her son in law, Brian Martin, who took care of her for several years taking her to doctor visits and other appointments. Also, we would like to thank her other care givers: Mary Gunn, June England, Connie and Dee Dee Peeples. Services will be at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home on Gadsden Highway in Trussville. Visitation is on Thursday, October 13th from 5:30-7:30 pm and the funeral will be on Friday, October 14th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, checks can be made and mailed to Eastside Baptist Church on Gadsden Highway. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.