Mary Jo Amirault

Mary Jo Cowan Amirault passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, to join her beloved Savior. She was 88 years old.

Mary Jo was born on June 9, 1937, in Emporia, Kansas, to Violet May Day Cowan and Charles Hadley Cowan. Known affectionately as “Grandma JoJo,” she was the third of six siblings and one of three daughters. She married Oscar Theodore Smith, Jr., in 1955, and together they welcomed two sons, Montgomery Alan and Randall Kevin.

In 1967, Mary Jo moved with her sons to Topeka, Kansas, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She worked for the Kansas Turnpike Authority for 19 years before retiring, where she was known for her dedication, warmth, friendly smile, and genuine kindness to coworkers and friends alike.

A gifted artist and creative spirit, Mary Jo began her career as a paste-up artist for the Emporia Gazette. She later used her artistic talents to paint cherished portraits of her family and to write a book, The Unshrinkable Violet, a heartfelt tribute to her mother, who inspired generations of her family. Music was another passion of her life; she was a proud member of the Sunflower Harmony Chapter of Sweet Adelines and was known for breaking into song at any moment. She delighted in helping friends and showering her family with thoughtful gifts, always expressing her love through creativity and generosity.

Mary Jo is survived by her sons, Montgomery Alan Smith and Randall Kevin Smith; her daughter-in-law, Laura Reynoso Smith; five grandchildren, Christine (Daniel) Freeman, Stephanie Hojnacki, Madeline (George) Langston, Bennett Smith, and Lauren Smith; three great-grandchildren, Rylan, Lilianna, and Matthew; and her brothers, David Cowan and Chuck Cowan. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Donna and Margaret, and her younger brother Roger.

Mary Jo was cremated and will be laid to rest in Emporia, Kansas. Her family and friends will remember her for her creative heart, her joyful singing, and the deep love she shared with all who knew her.

A memorial service for Mary Jo will be held at 11:00am on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Dove Southwest Funeral Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS 66614. Her family will greet friends and relatives one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Midland Hospice House, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 4:7–8

To leave a message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.