DECATUR, Ill. — Mary Jo Stewart has generously given her time and shared her talents with the Macon County 4-H program for many years. In recognition of her dedication, Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation has selected her to receive the Stuart Hawbaker Lifetime Achievement award.

Mary Jo was a ten-year member of the Busy Bees 4-H Club. She lived in the University of Illinois 4-H house and served as a leader for Salem’s Eagles 4-H Club for one year. But, this was only part of her 4-H story.

For 20 years, Mary Jo served as 4-H Educator in Macon County. She tirelessly worked to find new opportunities for youth. 4-H alumni fondly remember the unique events and activities that Mary Jo took them to that helped shape their lives and future careers.

She also had a gift for convincing others to go above and beyond. “The leaders used to laugh when they saw me coming because I would say I have an opportunity for you,” says Mary Jo Stewart. “They knew something new was coming.” Those same leaders often thanked Mary Jo for those opportunities afterward.

“Mary Jo was the first person from Macon County 4-H and Extension I met after moving here more than 30 years ago,” says Mark Sturgell Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation President. “Of course, she got me involved and I’m still involved – just one of the thousands of lives she has influenced in her career.”

After retirement, Mary Jo found other ways to remain involved with Macon County 4-H. She served on the Foods Committee and was also a member of the Macon County 4-H and Extension Foundation. In 2010, Mary Jo Stewart was named an Illinois 4-H Foundation Hall of Fame award winner honoring her years of selfless dedication. 

“Mary Jo is the face of dedication,” says Sturgell. “Her heart and soul for Macon County 4-H and Extension is truly exemplary.”

Writer: Maria Lightner, Marketing & Communications, University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties