Mary Lou Dover

Mary Lou Dover, age 92, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 13, 1933, in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, Mary Lou was the youngest of seven children in a family whose roots and values ran deep. Her parents, Michael and Bessie George, immigrated from Syria in 1913, bringing with them a legacy of faith, resilience, and generosity that would shape Mary Lou’s life and the lives of those she touched.

Mary Lou’s early years were spent in Martin’s Ferry, where she attended local schools before her family relocated to Columbus. She graduated from West High School, and it was in Columbus that she would build a life defined by devotion to family, steadfast faith, and a spirit of kindness. In 1963, she married James H. Dover, and together they created a loving home, raising their children with the same values that had guided her own upbringing. A woman of deep faith, Mary Lou was a longtime member of both Bethel and Covenant Presbyterian Churches, where she found community and spiritual nourishment. Her belief in God was unwavering, and her commitment to her church and her faith was evident in every aspect of her life.

Mary Lou’s professional life was marked by dedication and service. She spent over two decades at the State Teachers Retirement System as a Senior Administrative Assistant and bookkeeper, later continuing her work at Ohio Retired Teachers. In her later years, she helped run the Burgess & Niple Credit Union and worked with Upper Arlington Schools, most notably in the kitchen at Wickliffe Elementary, where her warmth and generosity were felt by students and staff alike.

Family was always at the center of Mary Lou’s world. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother—known affectionately as “Gigi” to her grandchildren, Cheron and Austin. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. She cherished time spent with her family, whether cheering on her beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, sharing meals—especially her favorite Middle Eastern dishes—or traveling to Las Vegas with her sister Louise and brother-in-law Joe. Mary Lou’s love for animals was also a defining part of her life, and her bond with her dogs, especially her cherished companion Sammie, brought her immense joy. Mary Lou’s gentle spirit, boundless generosity, and unwavering love left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She listened with patience, gave without hesitation, and loved with her whole heart. Her presence brought comfort and her kindness was a gift to everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Bessie George; her beloved husband, James H. Dover; her daughter, Bess D. Dover; her sisters, Genevieve (Joseph) Kourie and Louise (Joseph) Karam; and her brothers, George M. (Bert) George, James M. (Florence) George, Dr. Norman George, and Dr. Louis George. She is survived by her devoted son, Stephen J. Dover; her treasured grandchildren, Cheron R. Dover and Austin Dover; her sister-in-law, JoAnn George; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In her later years, Mary Lou was deeply blessed by the loving care she received from her niece, Donna George, and a dear family friend, Kelly Kimball. Their extraordinary devotion, compassion, and patience ensured that Gigi was always surrounded by comfort, dignity, and love. Their gentle presence and unwavering support meant more than words can express, and the family will forever be grateful for the kindness and tenderness they showed her each day.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are profoundly grateful for the years we shared with Mary Lou. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire us and live on in our memories, our traditions, and the way we care for one another.

Friends may call or visit on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road. A service celebrating Mary Lou’s life will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, followed by interment at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, Ohio. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.

Mary Lou Dover’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.