Mrs. Mary Louise Barrett-Russell's Obituary
Mary “Lou” Louise was born on May 14, 1946 in Morton, MS, Scott County to Della Elizabeth Flanagan and Willie James Grady. She was born in a log cabin and delivered by her grandmother Fannie Flanagan. She spent two years of her life with Fannie and Chris Flanagan (grandparents). She was reared by Manuel Moore and Elizabeth Flanagan Grady Moore on the corner of 17th and 18th then to 1700-29th Avenue where she was in the second grade at St. Joseph Catholic School. Mary Louise began her education at St. Joseph Catholic School (K-5), Wechsler School (5-6), West End Jr. High (7-8), Carver Jr. High (8-9), T.J. Harris High School (10-12) and Jr College (13-14) then off to MS Valley State College, USM, Livingston State, Delta State and MSU for several advanced degrees. Mary received many awards and accolades. Mary Louise taught over thirty-four years in four schools- Mt. Barton, Wechsler, Witherspoon Elementary and West End Elementary plus other job opportunities too. She was affiliated with several civil social organizations (OES) and other sororities for over forty years, Christian Education Training, 2nd New Hope District, East MS State Congress, National Baptist convention USA Inc. She traveled extensively in USA and foreign parts as well. She has been a member of the 31st Missionary Baptist Church since she was five years old having served in many positions and manning several ministries- former President of the Choir, first female Supt of Sunday School, Sectary of several ministries, Sunday School teacher, Historian and Church Clerk just to name a few. Mary Louise was preceded in death by her grandparents- Chris and Fannie Flanagan; parents- Della Grady Moore, Manuel Moore and Willie James Grady; brothers- James Robert and Earnest Moore; sisters- Angelina McLaughlin, Anna Laura Heidelberg (JP) and Barbara Boston; several nieces, cousins, nephews, extended family and close friends; former husbands- Jerome Lewis, Dan C. Barrett Sr, and Lee Russell “Cowboy”.
Mary Louise has food memories for her family, son- Dan C. Barrett Jr. (Saundra); daughter- Marcie Barrett; grandsons- Dan C. Barrett III (Trudy), Delmonte’ Barrett, Kenneth Barrett, Jerree Ruffin and Kerry Williams; granddaughters- Kierra Griggs (Nathaniel), Tara Williams, Kadetra Williams, Ebony Jones and Chiquita Spencer; 15 great-grands; siblings- Willie Earl Grady, (JoSondra) and Geraldine Byrd (Tommie); godson- Brandon Bridges (Daphne); special friends- Elmer Jean homes, Gwen Barrett and Betty McGlothin- Huddleston; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority, church members and friends.
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