Mary Lou Byrd

Mary Lou Bauer-Byrd (12/27 /1930-10/14/19) 88, of Dillsboro, NC passed away on Monday, October 14th, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Bloomington, Indiana in 1930, Mary traveled and worked in many areas of the United States before settling down in Dillsboro, NC in 1978. After working as a mental health therapist at Smoky Mountain Mental Health for several years, Mary stayed busy caring for others, which was her passion. Other jobs included book keeper for Heritage Quilts of Sylva, Cherokee, and California, and owner and operator of Sylva Texaco. Mary was a long-standing member of Faith Baptist Church in Sylva, NC where she was proud to serve others and the Lord. Mary joined the church many years ago and loved the children's programs and events. Mary also enjoyed traveling, fishing, swimming, the beach, lighthouses, camping, bowling, tennis, basketball, football, card and board games, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud & CSL A big fan of sports, Mary attended various sporting events for her grandchildren & great grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed watching Tarheels basketball and Carolina Panthers football. Known by "Mom" and "Memaw" to all who knew and loved her, she will be greatly missed.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Clifford C. Walters & two sisters, Barbara and Sue, & her dear friend, Lewis Lanning.

Surviving members are daughter, Sue Kelly & husband, Wayne Kelly; Son Clifford Gregg & wife, Maria Gregg; Son, Bobby Gregg & wife, Irene Gregg; 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, & 4 great great-grandchildren.

Mary also leaves behind her faithful companion & best friend, her puppy, Tebow.

Family will receive friends and family on Thursday, October 17, from S-7pm at Faith Baptist Church in Sylva, NC. Peter Mudge will be officiating the service that will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, as Mary faithfully donated to them every month for 35 years.