Born in Charlotte, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Albert T. Jr. and Louise Hannah Howell. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Williamston and was a former member of Irmo Baptist Church.

After graduating from Aiken High School, she attended Wake Forrest College and Furman University where she graduated in 1951. Mary Lou began her teaching career in Baltimore, Md. in 1953. She taught in the Aiken County School District where she retired after 45 years in 1986. She was a Past President of Pilot Club International, a member of Aiken County Retired Educators Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, former member of the Board of Trustees for the S.C. Baptist Courier, Women’s Missionary Union, Columbia Council for Internationals, a member of the Board of Directors of the Aiken Area Council on Aging, Board member for Aiken Coalition to Assist Abused Persons, and former Sunday School Teacher.

Surviving are four sons, Ted Willis Jr. (Kayla) of Honea Path, Tommy Willis ( Debbie) of Lexington, Tim Willis (Susie) of Lexington and David Willis (Lynn) of Edgefield, eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by a brother, James Howell.

Graveside services will be held Friday April 21, 2017 at 11 AM at Bush River Memorial Gardens in Columbia, SC with Rev. Ron Davis officiating.

The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Thursday April 20, 2017 at Pruitt Funeral Home. The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials made to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com