Mary Louise was born February 1, 1925 in Birmingham, AL to James Burton and Elizabeth Florence Holt. She was married to William Samuel Gordon in 1945 until his passing in 1976.
Mary Louise and Bill met early during World War II in Georgia where Bill was stationed during training as an officer before duty in the Pacific Theater. They were deeply in love and upon Bill’s survival and return, they were married in Birmingham, AL on June 25, 1945. During the war, Mary Louise worked for the US Navy in Key West, FL. Bill was later stationed in Greensboro in advance of deployment from ORD (Overseas Repository Depot), fell in love with Greensboro and noted what a wonderful place Greensboro would be to raise a family. After the war, following short stints in FL and VA, they settled in Greensboro for good.
Mary Louise was a free spirit and embarked on a lifelong educational journey, spending a great deal of time with her close friends at UNC-G and Guilford College. She was involved in many projects, particularly the Weatherspoon Art Museum during its strongly formative years. Later, she was active in the English Speaking Union. A long-time political thinker, Mary Louise never saw a war she liked and was quick to voice her opinions on just about any topic. She would often say that she was one of the last of ‘yellow dog Democrats’. She would yell at neighbors for cutting down trees.
Mary Louise was devoted to her family and her home. She spent many days with her grandchildren and was blessed with two great-grandchildren.
Mary Louise married Richard Brown on April 19, 1986 and they settled into her home on Henderson Road where they remained until recently. Dick Brown took great care of Mary Louise for many years, and the family will remain forever grateful for Dick’s love and kindness.
Mary Louise is survived by husband Richard (Dick) Brown, sister Elizabeth Kay (Austin, TX); sons Dr. William Holt Gordon and wife Carol of Durham, NC; Richard Curtis Gordon and wife Martha of Greensboro; grandchildren Lauren Gordon Fry (James) of Greensboro and great-grandchildren Sylvan and Owen, William Gordon (friend Elizabeth Vernon) of Greensboro; Caroline Gordon Barlow (Richard) of Pittsboro, NC; Holt Gordon of Durham; nephews James Kay of Austin, TX and Bobby Kay (Austin, TX).
There will be a private service. Memorial contributions may be made to Hamilton Lakes & Parks Association, P.O. Box 10123, Greensboro, NC 27404 in memory of Mary Louise Gordon Brown.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Brown family.
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