Mary Lou “LuLu” McGillen

Mary Lou “LuLu” McGillen, 90, devoted and caring mother, grandmother and friend transitioned peacefully to her reward in heaven on Wednesday evening, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 22, 1932, in Dallas, Texas to parents Linna Mae (Pierce) and Leo Paul Fox.

She was raised in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Crozier Tech Magnet School in 1950 and attended Anderson University in Indiana and received her associate degree in business administration. There she met and married George Franklin McGillen. They settled in Dallas, Texas and were married for 12 years.

She had a strong work ethic and her career working for the US Government spanned 33 years in various capacities with the Small Business Association (SBA), Federal Housing Association (FHA), Housing of Urban Development (HUD) and the US Postal Service.

Mary was a wonderful and generous friend and person and always greeted everyone with her warm smile. She never met a stranger and enjoyed helping others in need, whether it was bringing them a sweet treat, a warm meal, or simply sitting with them and listening. It brought her joy to comfort others. She faced trials and tribulations growing up in the depression era and losing her mother at a young age, but she leaned on her faith in Christ to get her through and went through life with optimism and courage.

Her pride and joy were her daughter Julie and her three precious grandsons, Jacob, Nicholas, and Michael. She was devoted to them and attended every sporting event cheering them on and became known as “Mary, the Candy Lady” because she always brought snacks and candy to the kiddos at the games. She was the perfect grandmother and never missed an event and was so proud of the young men they have grown up to be. She was also a big Texas Rangers fan, and we know she was watching from Heaven as they won their 1st World Series!

She is preceded in death by her mother, Linna Mae Pierce and Father, Leo Paul Fox.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Julie McKenzie and son-in-law Tim McKenzie of Parker, Texas, grandsons Jacob McKenzie, Nicholas McKenzie, and Michael McKenzie. The family would also like to thank the staff at McKinney Health, her nurse Linda, Three Oaks Hospice, and her hospice nurse Toni for providing the best care, love, and compassion. They became like family, and we are forever grateful.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday – November 7, 2023, in the Chapel of Grove Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park. followed by a graveside prayer. Visitation is 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Chaplain Craig Castleberry will officiate the service. The family is especially grateful for his weekly visits, bedside prayers and time spent singing church hymnals with her. He brought her great comfort and closeness to the Lord during her courageous battle with dementia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Grove-Hill.com for the McGillen family.