Mary Jo "Josie" Bullard

Mary Jo “Josie” Gennoe Bullard passed away on July 14, 2025 at the age of 86. She was born on July 30, 1938 in Decatur, TN. She graduated from Meigs County High School and from the University of Tennessee Knoxville where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Josie was known for her graciousness towards everyone she met. She cared deeply for her family and friends and brought warmth and light into their lives. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.Josie was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Wheeler Gennoe and Mary Sue Buchanan Gennoe; her husband, Ronald “Ronnie” Thomas Bullard; her son, David Michael Bullard; her brother, David Buchanan Gennoe; her aunt, Sarah Katherine Buchanan Johnsonius and her sisters-in-law, Barbara Joan Dunham and Dottie Jean Bullard Wilson.She is survived by her son, Ronald “Tommy” Thomas (Pam Rogers) Bullard, Jr of Knoxville, TN; her grandchildren, Amy Beth (Paul) Gardner of Cleveland, TN and Bradley “Brad” Thomas Bullard of San Diego, CA; step grandchild, Rachel Rogers of Knoxville, TN; great-granddaughters, Breonna Stacy Gardner and Bridgett Diana Gardner both of Cleveland, TN; great-great grandson, Theodore Munger of Cleveland, TN; her sisters-in-law, Bettye Anne (Kent) Bullard Bewley of Greeneville, TN and Gerry Gennoe of Knoxville, TN; cousin, Sarah Carter Volkmann of Hope Mills, NC; nieces, Kandice (David) Bewley Baker of Knoxville, TN, Rollin (Cam) Wilson Conklin of Lookout Mountain, TN, Anne Wilson of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Susan Gennoe of Knoxville, TN and Janet (Kurt) Gennoe Klitzner of San Marcos, CA; special great-niece, Brooke “Ava” Avalon Baker of Knoxville, TN and several great-nieces and great-nephews.The family will receive friends on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Manes Funeral Home in Newport, TN, followed by a brief Celebration of Life at 7:00 pm. Interment will take place Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at Decatur Cemetery on School Drive in Decatur, TN. Pastor Marta Cogburn of First United Methodist Church Newport, TN officiating.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the church or charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at:www.manesfuneralhome.com Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home, Newport, TN.

Mary Jo "Josie" Bullard

July 30, 1938 - July 14, 2025