Mary Willey Fite

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Mary Lou Willey Fite passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025. She was born on November 22, 1928 in Mer Rouge Louisiana to the late Dr. Felix Jefferson Willey and Lula Kerr Willey. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, James Melody (Jimmy) Fite; brother Dr. Felix Willey, Jr; and sisters, Judith Willey Turpin and Dorothy Willey Freeman. She is survived by her daughter, Melody Fite Galbierz (Tom) and son, James Melody Fite, Jr.; grandchildren: Andrew Fite Galbierz (Julie), James Richard Galbierz, Mary Brannon Kerr (Mimi) Galbierz, James Melody Fite, III, and Lauren Geils Fite; great-grandchildren: Sadie Fite Galbierz and Thomas Eskind Galbierz and many dear nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou graduated from LSU and was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and the LSU swim team. She later received her teaching degree from Vanderbilt Peabody College and taught school in the Metro Nashville School system. Years later she worked as a realtor with Pilkerton Realtors.

Mary Lou was faithfull follower of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and a long time member of First Presbyterian Church of Nashville. She was active in the community as a member of The Cenntenial Club, The Daughters of the American Revolution, Cheekwood, and The Fannie Battle Day Home. As a member of Hillwood Country Club, she enjoyed many years of tennis, bridge, and golf.

She loved travelling, especially her trips to Europe with her husband and later with her sister, children, and grandchildren.

There will be a visitation at the home of Melody and Tom Galbierz on Friday, March 21, from 5-7 pm.

A private graveside service will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery on March 21.

The family would like to thank Alive Hospice and her caregivers, Yolanda Cato, April Farmer, Andrea and Asia Henderson, Venice Gilmour, and Laura Fraser.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church 4815 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220 or Alive Hospice.