Mary Joe Standley Guillory

Mary Joe Standley Guillory died peacefully April 21, 2020, at the age of 99. She was born in Monroe, Louisiana and raised on King Plantation. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim & Elsie Standley, a sister Dorothy Coons, two brothers, Noel & James Standley Jr, a daughter Mary Lankford, and her husband, Troy Guillory Sr. She is survived by her son, Troy Guillory Jr, Monroe Louisiana , a daughter Noel Ewing, Boerne TX, 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Mary Joe married her Navy husband at the start of World War II and became a military wife for the next 27 years. They traveled the world together and came home to Monroe to retire in 1965. Mary Joe was active in the Saint Francis Auxiliary for 20 years. She was an active member of College Place Baptist Church and sang in the choir for many years. She later moved her membership to Lakeshore Baptist Church. She obtained her pilots license at the age of 55 after spending a lifetime flying beside Papa Troy.
Mary Joe loved to entertain the aviation students who spent many hours at her kitchen table under Papa Troy’s tutelage. She had a remarkable life, she loved her family, her church and her many friends.
The family wishes to thank Ouachita Healthcare Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Campassus Hospice, Serenity Care Providers, Pastor William Smith. A very special thanks to her devoted friend Tiffany Smith who love and care for Mary Joe the last five years of her life.
In addition to the obit, Dr. Ted Standley wrote this in memory of his Aunt Mary Joe. Mary Joe was already in place. She was Granny Standley in her own time and place. She was delightful and a pleasure to be around. All you had to do was hit her notes which led to delight, laughter, and good will. While she was her own person, she was the best version of herself and ourselves as well. When I think of her, I can only smile. I hear her laughter, her echoes of goodness. She was who she was. In all of her uniqueness, mirth and triumph, her fragrance is in the air that I breathe, the tune that I hum. She represents all that is good and positive. While she was in the nursing home, her response to the sound my voice brought “echoes of mercy and whispers of love.” Mary Joe was and is the best note that any of us could sing or say.
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the family will have a private graveside service April 24,2020 at Mulhearn’s Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Lakeshore Baptist Church, 308 Lakeshore Drive, Monroe Louisiana.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com
Mulhearn Funeral Home
Sterlington Road, Monroe