Mary Lou Alford

Mary Lou Alford passed away Apr 1, 2023, in Joplin, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtle (Dunkin) Glover, her Daddy, Cecile Glover, and husband Billie Lee Alford. Her two sons, Mark and Matthew Palmer, and her grandson-in-law Chad Carroz. Mary Lou was born May 10, 1940, in Ellington, Missouri. She spent her early years playing the piano in local churches where her Daddy pastored. After graduating high school, she joined the Army where she was a Sergeant in the Women's Army Division. After leaving the Army, she had 3 children, Michele, Mark, and Matthew. She met her husband in Vienna, Illinois and they were married on Christmas Eve 1976 with her Daddy officiating the ceremony. Bill and Mary Lou had 30 wonderful years of marriage together before Bill passed away. Mary Lou was a devoted daughter and caregiver to her parents as they grew older. Many may remember Mary Lou as a long-time waitress and hostess for Bob White Cafe. She began driving special education children for the Vienna School District later in life and loved and protected those children as her own. She had many talents, playing the piano, church organ, crocheting, sewing, and she could play the meanest game of Uno ever. She loved her birdfeeders and visits from her grand dog Ponyo. She spent the last few years surrounded by many wonderful people at Silver Creek Assisted Living in Joplin, MO. She and her best friend Margie loved to play Bingo and take walks around the grounds. She loved her midnight ice cream snacks with Steve and helping look after Bubby. A special thank you to Terri, Crystal, and the rest of the staff at Silver Creek for loving her so much and taking such great care of her. Mary Lou, or Mamaw to her grandkids, leaves behind her brother, Donald Glover of Denver, CO. Her daughter and son-in-law, Michele & Brad Price of Elizabethtown, IL. Her daughter-in-law, Jenny Palmer of Paducah, KY. Her grandchildren- Monica & Eric Keller of Webb City, MO. Marissa & Seth Bowery, & Cassidie Price of Jonesborough, TN. Robie Cavins & Jamie Price of Elizabethtown, IL. Bella & Sam Palmer of Paducah, KY, Lacy Palmer of Campbell Hill, IL, Tyler Palmer of Murphysboro, IL. Kalan Palmer & Amanda Thatcher of Harrisburg, IL. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren- Mattilee Carroz of Diamond, MO, and Ethan Keller of Webb City, MO. Braeden & Elliott Bowery of Jonesborough, TN. Mason, Bentley, & Leia Palmer of Murphysboro, IL, and Landon Misslehorn of Campbell Hill, IL. Everyone that met her fell in love with her spunkiness and love of life. Mary Lou was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and dedicated her life to His Word. She was kind, opinionated, and had an unwavering love for her family. You will be deeply missed, Bingo Champ!! A graveside service will be conducted Friday afternoon, May 5, 2023, at 2 PM at the Berea Cemetery, 1700 Berea Church Road, Vienna, Illinois. Military honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Those attending the service are invited to gather at the cemetery at 1:45 PM Friday, May 5th. Arrangements are entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home, Vienna, Illinois.

Mary Lou Alford

May 10, 1940 - April 1, 2023