Mary Lou Johnson Cassel

Mary Lou Cassel passed away peacefully at the grand age of 102 on April 28, 2010. She was born in Floyd, Texas on October 7, 1907. Mary Lou’s love for her family helped her make the decision to assist her brother (O. B. Johnson) in raising their adopted niece (Katherine Hagler) and adopted nephew Hiram (Mike) Johnson. In 1942, she married S/Sgt Thomas E. Cassel, the love of her life. Cassel was killed in the Battle of the Bulge in 1945 and she never re-married. She worked for the IRS in both the Austin and Dallas locations until she retired at the age of 65. She then worked for the First National Bank of Dallas for twenty years and retired for a second time in her eighties. Mary Lou filled her life with family gatherings and lifelong friends. She enjoyed her life to the fullest and was very active; walking six miles a day, bowling weekly, traveling to Las Vegas twice a year and dancing into her early nineties. She was truly an amazing woman who embodied a strength that goes far beyond the physical. She led her life with courage and determination and her strength is the legacy she leaves for all those who loved her. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, adopted nephew, Hiram (Mike) Johnson and wife Aurora and son-in-law, Granville Hagler. She is survived by adopted niece, Katherine Hagler, grandchildren, Walter, Mary, and Brenda and their spouses; great-grandchildren, Katie, Sean and Adam; numerous loving nephews, nieces and friends. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Autumn Leaves for the loving care given to Mary Lou. All services will be held at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home located at 7405 West N.W. Hwy. Visitation will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Friday, April 30 and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 1 at 12 pm. Hiram E. Johnson, Jr. officiating.