Arie Louise Mulligan was born on January 27, 1951 in Memphis, TN. Although her first name was Arie, she insisted on being called Louise. The use of her first name would most certainly be met with an extreme look of displeasure. She was the fourth child of Onie Lee and Arie Lee Aldridge and was preceded in death by both parents and her siblings Diane Aldridge, Donnie Aldridge, John Kilpatrick, Rodney Aldridge, Ellen Demarco and James Aldridge.
Louise’s faith in God was strong and she instilled this faith in her children early in their lives. She was a devout member of Whitten Baptist Church in Memphis where her smile was a warm greeting to members of the congregation. One of her greatest loves was singing in the church choir and sharing that love of music with her children. Her artistic nature was exhibited in her talent for sketching and crochet. However, the occasional hand decorated Christmas sweatshirt would also showcase her talents.
Aside from her devotion to God, Louise was passionate about baseball. She was a huge Atlanta Braves fan but would cheer for the St Louis Cardinals in a pinch. In her youth she would play catcher for the church softball team every summer. She was an avid reader with her preferred genres being action, adventure, and mystery. Among her family, she was known for her “lead foot” because of her tendency to drive fast wherever she was going; a trait she unwittingly passed down to some of her offspring. Unfortunately, one thing that was not inherited by her children was the recipe and ability to prepare the best peach cobbler you ever tasted.
For almost 50 years Louise was a preschool teacher. She is lovingly remembered by her students, parents and coworkers. Her classroom has now been named “Miss Louise’s Room” in her memory.
This love for educating children was shared by her sister Gladys Aldridge. The two worked together for most of their careers. Louise’s greatest accomplishment was raising five children. This she also did with the help and devotion of Gladys Aldridge. Her children were truly blessed to be raised by two of the most loving people. Although, with raising four boys and one girl, that love was put to the test on many an occasion.
Louise is survived by her children Billy Nelson (Lynn), Doug Mulligan (Julie), Steven Mulligan, Tara Hall (Michael), and Kenny Mulligan (Tabitha); her grandchildren Seth Mulligan and Mikaela Wood, Brittany Hall and Bailey Hall, Kennedy Mart and Lucy Mulligan; her great grandson Killian Wood; her siblings Gladys Aldridge, Mary Whitehead, and Danny Aldridge (Gloria) and numerous nephews and nieces.
A visitation for Arie will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Whitten Baptist Church, 6773 Macon Road, Memphis TN 38134. A committal service will follow in Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
