I did not know my aunt as well as I would have liked. It is heartening to see what people have written on the impacts she made in the lives  of the people who knew her. I'll add my own.

Thirty years ago was a college student at Loyola New Orleans.  I drove over to visit Mary Lou, Vernon and Kathleen. I stayed with Mary Lou and Vernon. The first morning after I got around Vernon asked me. "Where's your earring?" I froze. I had pierced my ear and gown out my hair but knowing their more conservative approach, I had left my earring back in New Orleans.  I figured they would disapprove of a 19 year old young man looking the "hippie,"

They were unhappy I hadn't brought it, they wanted to see me as I chose to be,  and they sat me down and told me that college was the time I should try such things. While Vernon had asked about it, it was Mary Lou that sat me down and explained how it wouldn't bother them in the least and how they encouraged me to explore myself and the world.

That stuck with me.  I've tried to apply that to my life and in raising my own children. 

My family moved next door to Mary Lou in 2003. When our son Wilson was assigned to do an interview and create a report on “someone we should know,” my late husband Reagan Miller and I recommended Mary Lou. We knew she had a story to tell because of  her sharp mind, strong yet reasoned opinions, success in male-dominated fields, and keen interest in art, architecture, travel, and so on. Reagan, an architect, and she often talked about the permitting process and Houston’s unique approach to zoning. She was always interested in UH, asking me about the new president, my students, the campus. 

Wilson was at Lanier, probably about 11 and thought he could just send her some questions by email and she’d fill out the form, as it were. None of us adults—his parents or ML—agreed with this shortcut, so he and I went over to her place one evening and she indulged us with some of her fascinating life story. Most remarkable among many “firsts” and accomplishments, passions and commitments was her hot air ballooning with Vernon.  Who knew? Wilson, an artist, constructed a papier mache balloon as the centerpiece of his report, which hung on our mantle until very recently when, simply weighed done by dust, it cracked.

I remember one question: “Do you have any regrets?” and her answer was “Reconstruction.” That just blew me away. She explained that the U.S.’s failure to fully instate freed Black people’s rights after the Civil War formed a straight-line to today’s racist county. That right there says what you need to know about her: civic minded, anti-racist. 

She also talked about being the only woman in firms and on boards, but her passion was political not personal.  

She was knowledgeable about so much and did not suffer fools. Over dinner at our house during the period of debate over HSPVA’s impending name change to Kinder, she pressed me to clarify why I thought the Kinders should leave their name off, and when the only answer I cld muster was that I thought it was vain, bor

Mary Lou was a wonderful Lady.  Gay and Mary Lou's Home Wedding was my first one to attend and I will always remember how lovely she looked.  She and Gay will be in my heart and be remembered.

Mary Lou added spunk and sass to the freshman Architecture Class at Rice (and everywhere thereafter).
We will long remember and miss her!

Deepest sympathy to Paul and the other members of Mary Lou’s family.

Mary Lou was a business mentor and collaborator for nearly forty years. Her stories of the balloon flights over much of now developed Houston were legendary as was her story of Gerald Hines borrowing their lawnmower before he achieved his great success.

We also became personal friends and my wife, Doris, and I would join Vernon and Mary Lou for Friday movies, martinis, and meals at restaurants that served notable martinis.

Mary Lou worked with Kay Crooker to get me on the Scenic Houston board, and ultimately I became its chair. I was honored to serve this organization and cherish the relationships I made there.

We were pleased to see Mary Lou recognized by the Rice Alumni Association for her service to the community.

Always quirky, Mary Lou had a quick wit and hearty laugh. We’ve lost a treasure and her lore about the early days of Houston’s growth.

Sorry, we can’t attend her funeral as we will be out of town.

I first met Mary Lou when my family began flying hot air balloons in the late 1970s. It was an honor to be on her and Vernon's first Zoopendous crew with Paul and Carl. We had so many fun times and I have so many warm and lasting memories with the Henrys.

In addition, Mary Lou was always an inspiration to me, as leader and a professional. She hired me for one of my first summer jobs, measuring cars in parking lots to find the optimal size of a parking space. She encouraged me to plan the project, select the team and design the final reports. She gave me confidence that set me up for a successful career.

Mary Lou made a difference in my life and has been a beloved part of our family over many years. I will always think of and remember her with love.

One of the smartest women I have known.  Lucky to have known her and to be her neighbor.  RIP.
Condolences to Paul and family. 
Regards, Andrew McCain 

OBITUARY

Mary "Mary Lou" Louise Henry

July 9, 1938 – March 9, 2023

Heights Funeral Home

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