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 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 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/
First Baptist Decatur:
Giving — First Baptist Church Decatur
designated fund Mary Lou Whitlow memorial
Please click the link below to see pictures of Mary Lou's beautiful life!
https://youtu.be/Zcjp9Yy6Bt4
Please Click link below to share in her lovely service!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ6gPM653uU