Mary Lou Anderson, a beacon of knowledge and kindness, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, at the age of 92 in Franklin, North Carolina. Born on June 16, 1931, in Covington, Ohio, Mary Lou lived a life marked by a deep passion for learning, music, and the great outdoors.

Affectionately known as Mary Lou to her friends and family, she was the beloved wife of Ernest L. (Roy) Anderson and the loving mother to her sons John, Paul, James, Mark and Thomas Williams, and her daughters Barbara Landes and Amanda Cooper. Her legacy extends to a remarkable lineage of 23 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

Ernest, who everyone calls Roy, and Mary Lou knew each other in high school in Ohio in the 1940s. Later in life they reconnected after each lost their spouse and were married in 2005, spending almost 19 years together mostly in the North Carolina mountains.

Mary Lou's thirst for knowledge led her to pursue higher education later in life, earning a bachelor's degree in library science in 1984, followed by a master's degree in library science in 1989, both from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her dedication to her field was evident in her career at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, where she retired as the chief librarian for the secured library.

Outside of her professional life, Mary Lou's interests were many. She was an accomplished pianist and organist, often sharing her musical talents in church programs, bringing joy and inspiration to her community. Her love for music was matched by her enthusiasm for nature. Mary Lou found solace in the serenity of the outdoors, whether it was traveling to new destinations, camping under the stars, hiking through untouched trails, or observing the delicate beauty of birds.

Those who knew Mary Lou will remember her as faith-filled and a kind soul, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. She had a way of making everyone feel valued and heard, embodying the wisdom of the well-known quote by Mother Teresa, "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Mary Lou's echoes of kindness will resonate for generations through the lives she touched.

Mary Lou's life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and education. Her influence will continue to be felt in the stories shared by her family, the books that remain on the shelves she once curated, and the peaceful melodies that linger in the halls where she played.

A memorial service will be held at St. John Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 3rd at 10:30am to honor the extraordinary life of Mary Lou Anderson. Her family wishes to express their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time. Mary Lou's presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on as a guiding star for all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St John Episcopal Church Franklin, NC.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.