Mary Louise Layne, 87, of Savannah, Texas passed away on December 10, 2014. Mary Lou moved to Denton, Texas at the age of 86 after more than thirty years in West Frankfurt, Illinois where she was one of the Swimmin' Women and a member of the Red Hat Society. Once in Savannah, Mary Lou learned to navigate a major thoroughfare in order to attend church, visit the public library, enroll in water aerobics at the Denton Natatorium, and handle all personal errands herself. She took on each new challenge as it presented itself, often saying, "I do what I have to do."

Known for her energy, grace, sense of humor, and inner strength, Mary Lou loved dogs, played golf, and created handcrafted quilts and dolls. A true matriarch, she was the center of activity for the large family that surrounded and adored her. With love and joy, she embraced everyone who married into her family. And they all looked forward to what "Grandmother" gave them. Grandmother's quilts. Grandmother's dolls. Grandmother's biscuits and gravy. Grandmother's fried chicken. Grandmother's love. Grandmother. Mary Lou made the most of every moment of her life. She had no regrets and there was nothing left unsaid to anyone she loved. She was one beautiful human being.

Mary Lou Layne is survived by two sons, John Taylor Blair, Elizabeth, PA, Bradley Layne, Atlanta, GA, three daughters, Olivia Coleman, Knoxville, TN, Merry Kathleen White, Magnolia, TX, and Susan Lynn Phillips, Savannah, TX, fifteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in the Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA in honor of Mary Lou, a long-time supporter of the organization.

Hello, Mary Lou, goodbye heart
Sweet Mary Lou, I'm so in love with you.
I knew, Mary Lou, we'd never part,
So Hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart.