Mary Louise “Mary Lou’’ James, 91, of Lebanon, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Lebanon.
She was born March 15, 1930, in Kansas City, Mo. to Frank R. Hails Sr. and Frances P. Murphy Hails.
On March 17, 1951, she married Lonnie Lee James.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lonnie on Aug. 24, 2015; five siblings, Frank R. Hails Jr., Thomas Hails, Beverly Jean Hails, John David Hails and Charles Hails; granddaughter, Molly Trow Ownby, and son-in-law, Steve Mosby.
Mary owned and operated Sand Spring Resort in Bennett Spring for several years. Later she worked for Montgomery Auto Sales, Neil Twenter Motors and Al Samons Auto Sales as an office manager. She was a dedicated Air Force wife for over 20 years, always putting the needs of her family first. She was the president of Mercy Auxiliary and Lebanon Business Women. Mary was active in her community and always eager to volunteer with various organizations. She most treasured time spent with her family.
She was a longtime member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lebanon.
Survivors include six daughters, Verna Carver and her husband Herb of Lebanon; Barbara Atchley and her husband Morgan of Tunas; Karen Mosby of Raymore; Ruth Trow of Republic; Julie Stroup and her husband Vincent of Long Lane, and Lisa Coffman and her husband Ron of Lebanon; one brother, Richard Hails and his wife Linda of Gladstone,; one sister, Anne Norman of Chillhowe, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
A graveside service and burial for Mary Louise “Mary Lou’’ James will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at White Oak Pond Cemetery with Verna Carver and Father David Miller officiating, under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel.
Memorials have been suggested to Integrity Hospice or Mercy Auxiliary. Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
