Mary Lou Williamson

Mary Ann Louise Farris was born on December 11, 1927 in Bowdon, England to Hélène Louise Israel Farris of New Orleans, LA, and Matthew Royden Farris of London, England. At the age of 11, Mary Lou traveled to New Orleans with her mother and sister Dianne during WWII to stay with family. During that time, Mary Lou attended Metairie Park Country Day and Louise S. McGehee Schools. Following WWII, Mary Lou went back to London to attend Miss Ellison's Finishing School. At the age of 25, Mary Lou returned to New Orleans and permanently made it her home. Mary Lou married Esmar Kaiser Williamson of New Orleans, LA on July 25, 1962. They were deeply devoted to one another for the next 40 years. Mary Lou loved spending time with her family, New Orleans architecture and real estate, chocolate, riding her bike, and annual trips to Perdido Bay with her large group of friends. Her kitchen table was the centerpiece for conversations, celebrations, and deep inquiries into her children's day. She was kind, funny, brave, generous, and above all else, loyal, providing unconditional love to her family. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her father Matthew, her mother Hélène, her husband Esmar, and son Christopher. She is survived by her children Timothy and Nicole, daughter-in-law Jenny, granddaughter Katie Blair, all of New Orleans, and her sister Dianne Farris of London, England. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 24 at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 1329 Jackson Avenue. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 am, with the service beginning at 11:30 am in the chapel. A private internment will occur immediately following the service. The Williamson family would like to extend a special thanks to the Lambeth House staff for their loving and compassionate care of Mary Lou. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Lambeth House Foundation.