Mary Louise Laird Whitlow, 79, peacefully passed away on May 13, 2022 surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was born March 29, 1943 in Sylacauga, Alabama. She grew up in Childersburg, Alabama and spent her early years in this small rural Alabama town. Her family was active in the community. Mary Lou was involved in Girl Scouts, GAs in the Baptist Church, cheerleading for the Childersburg Tigers and hanging out with friends especially Kay and Gayle whom she maintained close ties with throughout her life.
Mary Lou received her bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama and her master’s degree in elementary education from Georgia State. She taught elementary education in three school systems: Huntsville AL, DeKalb County GA and Gwinnett County GA. She maintained friendships with three colleagues (Nancy, Faye and Sandy) from the 60/70s throughout her life, getting together in the summers to share recipes and stories.
Mary Lou met her husband, Phil Whitlow, when she moved to Atlanta and they were married for 50 years. She was active in her daughters’ Brownies and Girl Scout activities, her daughters’ schools, and her church, First Baptist Decatur GA, working with Mission Friends and teaching preschool Sunday School.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father: Mary and Frank Laird and a very special aunt Louise Pittman. She is survived by her husband, Phil Whitlow, two daughters Kathy of Denver Colorado, and Susan (Brad) Malemezian of Atlanta Georgia., two grandsons Tyler and Chase, and granddaughter Paris. She is also survived by her brother Frank Laird Jr. of Montgomery Alabama. Her family and friends describe her as a sweet, patient, generous, and thoughtful woman who loved music, children, teaching, smiling, and laughing.
Services will be held at Ginn Funeral Home in Carnesville, GA on May 21st with family receiving family and friends at noon, followed by a service at 1 pm.
Flowers are welcome or you may consider a donation on behalf of Mary Lou to the following organizations, which will continue to help children and youth learn and grow:
Dekalb Library Foundation : https://foundation.dekalblibrary.org/ (a Recognition Gift – will be designated toward providing books)
First Baptist Decatur: Giving — First Baptist Church Decatur designated fund Mary Lou Whitlow memorial (will be designated toward supporting children and youth)
Please click the link below to see pictures of Mary Lou’s beautiful life!
Sympathy and prayers to you ,Phil ,and and your family
Phil, We send our sincere sympathy and love to you and your family. Your unconditional love for Mary Lou was ever present in your daily life.
Phil, We send our deepest love and sympathy to your and your family. Your unconditional love for Mary Lou was always so evident through the years you looked after her. I think that she could sense your love through your presence
Jim & Christine: so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. May God Bless you and family.
Phil and family, We are so sorry to learn of your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jean & Family
Phil, please know that you and the family are in our prayers.
Mr Phil and family. I’m so sorry for your loss of your Mom and your Wife Mary Lou. She was very very sweet and special person to me. I loved her very very much. Love always Laura
Phil, Our sincere sympathy in your loss of Mary Lou. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers. Much love.
We have fond memories of our many years of attending church with the Whitlow family. Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mary Lou. Much love from the Benefields.
Phil, Love, hugs and special prayers to you and your special family.
Dear Phil: You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.