Mary Jo Jerzakowski

Mary Jo (Ratliff) Jerzakowski, 94, of South Bend entered into her heavenly home on Saturday July 4, 2026, at Southfield Village.

Mary Jo was born on August 19, 1931, in Pikeville, Kentucky, the 10th child out of 14 children to the late James and Lucy (Alley) Ratliff.

In October 1979 she married Bernard Jerzakowski who preceded her in death in 1981.

Mary Jo’s faith was a testament to her life on earth. Jesus was her whole life and she depended on Him daily.  She would not let a day go by that she did not pray for her family- especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was the best mother and grandmother and will be missed tremendously.  As she entered heavens gates, no doubt she heard “well done good and faithful servant”.

Mary Jo leaves behind her daughters, Mary Frances (Stephen) Webster of Rolesville, NC and Deborah Ann (Bruce) Johnson of South Bend, IN as well as 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren along with her brother, Tommy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sons; Michael Salyers and Roy Jerome Salyers, and her siblings.

Visitation for Mary Jo will be held from 10am until 11am on Tuesday July 14, 2026, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend.   A funeral service will begin at 11am and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southern Care Hospice, 1626 E. Day Rd. Mishawaka, IN 46545.

The family would like to thank the staff of Southfield Village and Southern Care hospice for their loving and compassionate care of our mother.

Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.