Passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on February 7, 2021.
Mary Louise died from Covid. After weeks of suffering lung complications she is free from pain and no longer struggling to breathe.
Due to Covid, a private graveside service for family only will be held on Friday, February 12th. A celebration of her life will be held at a later time, possibly her birthday next September.
Mary Lou was born September 18, 1938. She was the daughter of George and Louise Pierce. Although she was an only child she had many cousins from her dad’s side of the family. The Pierce side was from Martin, Tennessee. Her mother was a
Birmingham native. Mary Lou loved her parents and after her father passed away in 1976 she took care of her mom until her death in 2000.
Though she was well traveled, Mary Lou spent almost her whole life as a Birmingham citizen. She graduated from Woodlawn high school in 1956. Then went to Stephens College in Columbia, MO where she earned her Associate Degree before returning to Birmingham where she Married and raised 3 daughters.
Mary Lou was an active, strong woman. In the early 80’s she took over the family business Pierce Taber Paint and Decorating in Homewood. While running a business she served on many committees and boards throughout Birmingham. She was named business woman of the year in the late 80’s. She loved serving her church East Lake Methodist as a teen. Then St. John’s United Methodist where she made dear life long friends and raised her girls. In her later years she was active at Canterbury United Methodist. The family is thankful to Canterbury for the love and care they showed mom once she no longer could attend.
Even with all her professional success, her most treasured achievement was being mother to her 3 daughters. She was always there for them and showed what it meant to be a strong southern lady. Mary Lou loved her daughters well! She was also a wonderful MeMaw to her 7 grandchildren!
She loved to travel and took many trips until her health no longer allowed her to do so.
She loved people and going different places. Mary Lou had a laugh like no other and she enjoyed life.
Her last few years were spent at Danberry and she loved living there. The family thanks the staff of Danberry. When she was feeling well and before Covid she enjoyed an afternoon glass of wine with friends in the Bistro.
Mary Louise is preceded in death by her father George Pierce, her mother Louise Pierce and granddaughter Stephanie Louise Sanford. She is survived by her daughters Melanie Taber Sanford (Bill), Deborah Taber McPhearson, Sherry Taber Anthony(Scott). Her grandchildren Trey Sanford (Catherine) Chase Sanford, Morgan McPhearson O’Leary(Sam),Trent McPhearson, Ava McPhearson, Ryan Anthony (Jen) and Hunter Anthony. And 3 great grandchildren, Haddon Sanford, Callen Sanford and recent addition Payson Hill Anthony.
She is no longer in pain and we praise our Savior Jesus Christ that we will be reunited with her one day.
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