Mary Lou Price Morrison

Mary Lou Price Morrison, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by her loving family at her home in Austin, Texas, on August 7, 2024, following a brief illness.

Born in Austin on July 3, 1943, Mary Lou was a proud fourth-generation Austinite. She attended St. Austin’s Catholic School and O. Henry Jr. High before graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1961, all while living on Bridle Path with her mother and two sisters. After studying at the University of Texas, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Hill Morrison. The couple began their life together on the Morrison family ranch, where they raised cattle.

Mary Lou and Charles’ first home was on Greenlee Drive in Austin, and it was there that they raised their three children over the next 55 years. Her devotion to her close-knit family, beautifully decorated home, and lush garden, made Greenlee a place of fun and love where all felt welcomed and drawn together through family traditions. Summers were spent in Port Aransas fishing and playing games. Fall brought hunting and cookouts at family ranches and Longhorn football games (Aggies, Bulldogs, and Tigers were added as the family grew). At Christmas, Greenlee brimmed with decorations and yard lights were installed the day after Thanksgiving; Mary Lou diligently chose special gifts for family and friends, and Christmas Eve Mass was the heart of the family’s holiday. Her seven grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she was delighted by their affectionate nickname for her: “Lou Lou.”

Helping others was also a significant aspect of Mary Lou’s daily life. She was a founding member of both the Seton Development Board and Hospice Austin, served as a docent at the Governor’s Mansion, and was an active member of The Friends of the Governor’s Mansion and The Junior League of Austin. She was an avid supporter of The Beautification of Lady Bird Lake, Heritage Society of Austin and volunteered at The Old Bakery. She was devoted to her community at St. Austin’s Catholic Church. She also nurtured a vast array of girlfriends through daily phone calls and competitive Mahjong games that started early and lasted late. Friends teased about her driving around Tarrytown neighborhoods in the afternoon, checking houses and yards to make sure all was well.

With her ever-present smile and genuine warmth, Mary Lou had a unique ability to uplift others. Always impeccably groomed and current on the latest news, she made those around her laugh and feel special. It is not an understatement to say she was an Austin Original.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Strandtman Price; her father, LeRoy William Price; and her sister, Patricia Price Connolly. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Hill Morrison; her children, Mary Frances Schneider (James), Anna Lee (Matthew), and Hill Morrison (Lee); her sister, Barbara Price Hill (David); and her seven grandchildren, Charles Schneider and fiancée Danielle Clark, John Gary Schneider, Alexandra Lee, Louise Lee, Taylor Morrison, Chad Morrison, and Haynes Morrison, all of Austin. She is also survived by nieces Natalie Hill Price (Zane) and nephews Craig Johnson, Christopher Hill (Jennifer), and Charles Hill (Sara); brother-in-law Gary “Butch” Morrison and his daughters Ashley Fraser (Chris) and Carolyn Morrison; and sister-in-law Patricia Ann Morrison and her sons Christopher Carothers (Michelle) and Michael Fleming.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Lou’s dedicated caretakers and the compassionate staff of Hospice Austin.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Austin’s Church on Saturday, August 17, at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas, 4800 Manor Road, Building K, Austin, TX 78723, or online at bigmentoring.org

• Save Muny, 1800 Nueces St., Austin, TX 78701, or online at savemuny.com

• Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759, or online at HospiceAustin.org

Mary Lou’s life was a testament to living true to one’s values. We find peace in knowing she is on her way to a more beautiful and serene place. We love you, Mary Lou.