Discover MJ Campbell: Kris Jenner's Mom & Kardashian Matriarch Secrets

By Prof. Aryanna Pacocha IIMay 04, 2025

Is it possible to become a matriarch in the world of fame and fortune while staying grounded in family values? Mary Jo Campbell, better known as "MJ," the mother of Kris Jenner and grandmother to the Kardashian-Jenner clan, demonstrated that it is indeed possible, leaving an indelible mark on the family and the world.

The matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty, Kris Jenner, often credits her own mother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon (ne Campbell), for instilling in her the values and principles that have defined her life and career. MJ, a former teacher, businesswoman, and model, has been a constant presence in the lives of her daughters, Kris and Karen, and her grandchildren, offering support, guidance, and a strong sense of family. Born in Arkansas, she cultivated an environment of love, gratitude, and appreciation for life, influencing the generations that followed.

Category	Details
Full Name	Mary Jo Campbell
Also Known As	MJ, Mary Jo Shannon (ne Campbell)
Date of Birth	January 8, 1937
Place of Birth	Kalamazoo, Michigan
Date of Death	June 9, 2024
Place of Death	Living Wisdom Center of Hubbard Hill
Parents	Not publicly disclosed
Siblings	Information not available
Marital Status	Divorced from Robert Houghton, Married to Harry Shannon (deceased 2003)
Children	Kris Jenner, Karen Houghton
Grandchildren	Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khlo Kardashian, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and many more great-grandchildren.
Career	Former teacher, businesswoman (Shannon & Company), Model, appeared in "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."
Known For	Mother of Kris Jenner, Grandmother of Kim Kardashian, and her prominent role on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."
Relationship with Family	Devoted to her family, providing constant love and support.
Social Media Presence	Limited, but frequently featured on Kris Jenner's and Kim Kardashian's Instagram accounts.
Net Worth	Information not publicly available.
Reference	Google Search

In July 2022, MJ celebrated her 88th birthday, a milestone marked by tributes from her daughter, Kris Jenner, who shared numerous photos on Instagram, showcasing their shared history and the love within their family. The posts served as a heartfelt testament to MJ's enduring impact on those around her. The following year, Kris Jenner, along with Kim Kardashian, continued the tradition, celebrating MJs 89th birthday with sweet social media posts, highlighting the special bond they share. The tributes frequently emphasized MJs gratitude, thankfulness, and her treasured relationships with family and friends, reflecting the values she instilled.

MJ's influence extends beyond her immediate family. She has become a beloved figure to millions of viewers of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," where her candid, funny, and generous personality shines through. Her appearances on the show have made her a well-known American celebrity. She was a key player in her children's lives, supporting and guiding them as they became famous. She has always played favorites among her family. She was always an anchor for them as they navigated the challenges of fame. Her open nature and supportive demeanor have made her a fan favorite.

Mary Jo Campbell's early life and childhood remain private, as she has chosen not to disclose details about her parents or upbringing. However, her life's trajectory reveals a woman of diverse experiences and resilience. She first married Robert Houghton. Their daughter, Kristen Mary Houghton, known as Kris Jenner, was born in San Diego, California, on November 5, 1955, and Karen was born shortly thereafter. Robert Houghton, an engineer, and Mary Jo divorced in 1962. Mary Jo later married Harry Shannon, who passed away in 2003.

Mary Jos impact on her family is deeply felt, influencing the lives of her daughters and grandchildren. Kris Jenner has often spoken about the lessons she learned from her mother, emphasizing the importance of family unity, gratitude, and appreciating life's blessings. MJ was known for her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. She was the proprietor of a store called Shannon & Company.

In the world of reality television, where relationships are often scrutinized, Mary Jo Campbell's influence stands out as a beacon of genuine warmth and unwavering family support. Her presence on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" provided a sense of continuity and authenticity, as she navigated the complexities of modern life with grace and humor. MJ's relationships with her grandchildren, including Kim Kardashian, reflect an open, loving approach to family. Her legacy is one of love, family, and a life well-lived, and she will be remembered fondly by those who knew and loved her.

The passing of Mary Jo Campbell on June 9, 2024, at the Living Wisdom Center of Hubbard Hill, marked the end of an era. She was 87 years old. Her daughters, Cindy and others, survive her. Her life, rooted in family and values, has left an enduring mark, and her memory will continue to inspire her family and those who admired her.

The impact of Mary Jo Campbell is not limited to her family; her warm and encouraging spirit has touched a wide audience through "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." She was seen as a woman who was frank, gracious, and generous to those who watched the show. She modeled this behavior and the importance of family, which has made her a beloved figure.

Discover MJ Campbell: Kris Jenner's Mom & Kardashian Matriarch Secrets

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