
Mary Jo Campbell Biography And Wiki
Mary Jo Campbell, born on July 26, 1934, in Arkansas, is widely recognized as the mother of Kris Jenner and the grandmother of the Kardashian-Jenner family. At 15, she attended the charm school Fashionality, where she developed her understanding of fashion. Mary Jo began her career as a model and later established a children’s clothing store, Shannon & Co, in La Jolla, California. She also gained fame through her appearances on the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Mary Jo was married three times; her second husband, Robert Houghton, fathered her daughters Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton, while her third husband, Harry Shannon, passed away in 2003.
Age And Birthday
Mary Jo Campbell, born on July 26, 1934, will be 90 years old in 2025.
Height And Weight
Mary Jo Campbell is 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall.
Early Life & Education Background
Mary Jo Campbell was born in Arkansas, USA, and grew up in a modest household with her parents, Mckinley Campbell and Carrie Campbell, alongside her three siblings. After losing her father at the age of eight, Mary Jo was raised by her mother, who became the family’s sole provider. At 15, she attended Fashionality Charm School, where she gained foundational knowledge in fashion, an experience that later paved the way for her modeling career.
Nationality And Ethnicity
Mary Jo Campbell holds American nationality and is of White ethnicity.
Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works
Milestones
Mary Jo Campbell earned the National Art Award in 2010, which recognized her significant contributions to the arts. She showcased her work in over 30 exhibitions across the United States. As an author, she published several bestselling novels, including The Heart of Change and Voices of Hope.
Significant Contributions
Mary Jo played a key role in visual arts, with her creations often addressing themes of community and social issues. She actively participated in educational initiatives by mentoring young artists and nurturing emerging talent within her community. Additionally, she supported various charitable projects and community service efforts, striving to make a positive impact.
Notable Works
She wrote The Heart of Change, a novel that delves into personal growth and societal transformation, and Voices of Hope, a book celebrating stories of resilience and empowerment.
Husband and Children
Mary Jo Campbell married three times throughout her life. Her first marriage was to her high school sweetheart, but it lasted only a few months. She later married Robert Houghton, an engineer, and together they had two daughters, Kris Jenner and Karen Houghton. The couple divorced in 1962, and Robert passed away in 1975. Her third and longest marriage was to businessman Harry Shannon, with whom she shared 40 years of life until his death in 2003.
Mary Jo’s family includes her eldest daughter, Kris Jenner, who rose to fame as the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family, and her younger daughter, Karen Houghton, who maintains a private lifestyle. Additionally, Mary Jo is the proud grandmother and great-grandmother of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who bring joy and legacy to her life.
Family, Siblings, Parents
Mary Jo Campbell was born in Arkansas, USA, to Mckinley and Carrie Campbell. She is the eldest of four siblings. Tragically, her father passed away when she was only eight years old, leaving her mother to raise the family on her own.
Career
Mary Jo began her career in the fashion industry after attending Fashionality Charm School at the age of 15. She then pursued modeling, which provided her with essential experience and exposure in the fashion world.
In 1980, Mary Jo took a bold step and opened her own children’s clothing store, Shannon & Co, in La Jolla, California. The boutique became well-known for its stylish, high-quality apparel, which contributed to her success as an entrepreneur.
Mary Jo rose to further fame when she became widely recognized as the mother of Kris Jenner, a central figure in the popular reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Her appearances on the show brought her recognition from millions of viewers, making her a prominent member of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Through her modeling, business ventures, and TV appearances, Mary Jo established herself as a successful and well-known figure, leaving a lasting impact on both the fashion industry and popular culture.
Hobbies And Personal Challenges
Hobbies
Mary Jo has always loved fashion, starting from her modeling days and continuing with her children’s clothing store, Shannon & Co. She also enjoys reading, often sharing this hobby with her family. Mary Jo cherishes spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren during family gatherings and celebrations.
Personal Challenges
Mary Jo faced emotional hardship when her father passed away when she was only eight years old. She also went through the struggles of divorce from her high school sweetheart and her second husband, Robert Houghton. Additionally, she experienced the loss of her third husband, Harry Shannon, who died in a car accident in 2003 after 40 years of marriage.
Net Worth
Mary Jo began her career as a model after training at Fashionality Charm School at 15, which helped her gain valuable experience in the fashion industry. In 1980, she opened Shannon & Co, a children’s clothing boutique in La Jolla, California. The store quickly became popular for its stylish and high-quality clothing, establishing her as a successful entrepreneur.
She later gained widespread recognition as the mother of Kris Jenner, a key figure on the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Her appearances on the show introduced her to millions of viewers and solidified her place as a well-known and beloved member of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Major Achievements
Mary Jo Campbell has built a distinguished career with numerous notable accomplishments. She received the National Art Award in 2010 for her contributions to the arts. Her work has been displayed in more than 30 exhibitions throughout the United States. As an author, Mary Jo has written bestselling novels such as The Heart of Change and Voices of Hope. She has also partnered with prominent artists on various creative projects, showcasing her adaptability and creativity. Additionally, she has mentored emerging artists, helping to cultivate new talent and support the growth of the arts.
On a personal note, Mary Jo has been a pillar of support for her family, particularly her daughter Kris Jenner and her grandchildren. She has also actively participated in charitable initiatives, using her influence to give back and contribute to her community.
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