Cover photo for Jo S. Fetzer's Obituary
Jo S. Fetzer Profile Photo
1935 Jo 2009

Jo S. Fetzer

November 17, 1935 — November 9, 2009

Mary Jo Smith Fetzer passed away on November 9, 2009. Jo was born in Savannah, Georgia, on November 17, 1935, the child of Leon and Nancy Smith, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Smith Overstreet; her nieces, Linda A. Thomas and Claire T. Boinest and her husband Edward; a nephew, Michael L. Thomas; a great niece, Haley Smith Boinest and a great nephew, Edward H. "Chip" Boinest IV. Jo graduated from Claxton High School in Georgia and attended The University of Georgia and graduated from the Ringling School of Art and Design. She began her career as an Art Director at WSAV-TV in Savannah and continued at WGTV, the public broadcasting station at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens. In the fall of 1962, she helped launch WCIV-TV, Channel 4, in Charleston. There, Jo's talent as an artist and her delightful wit helped create much joy and laughter for staff and viewers alike. Many Charlestonians will remember her as the zany "Auntie Bellum." After 10 years at Channel 4, Jo left to work as a free-lance artist and in 1977 joined the staff of the Charleston Museum. As the Museum's graphic artist and exhibit specialist, Jo was key in exhibit design and production; she painted dioramas for natural history specimens, produced publicity materials and kept the museum staff laughing. She also donated a number of items to the museum's collection, a group of items that might not have been saved otherwise and that speak to her wide range of interests and her generosity. Jo loved the museum and contributed in so many ways, especially through her humor and her compassion. After her retirement from the museum in November of 1999, Jo devoted her time to her family, her friends and her beloved pets. Despite many health battles, she never failed to keep her sense of humor and her bright outlook. For those who knew and loved Jo, a light is gone from our lives; but the memories will still bring laughter. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 am, Friday, November 13, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway. A Friendship gathering will take place after the service at Claire's residence. Memorial gifts may be made to Pet Helpers, 1447 Folly Rd. Charleston, SC 29412 or the Lowcountry Food Bank, 2864 Azalea Dr. North Charleston, SC 29405. A condolence message may be sent to her guest book at our website, www.charlestonfunerals.com. Arrangements are by the JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, 766-1365.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jo S. Fetzer, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree