Mary Lou, ‘Lou’, was born on October 11, 1928 in Holliday, TX to James & Beulah Whisenant. She attended Valley View High School and graduated at the age of 16 in the Class of 1946.
She married Fred Harris in 1954. They began their careers together as co-owners of Fred Harris Barbeque in San Angelo, TX for close to 30 years.
Lou was preceded in death by her parents, James & Beulah Whisenant; her husband, Fred Harris; brothers Raymond and Kenneth Whisenant, sisters Lucille Thomas and Lola Wisdom; and her children, Johnny Harris, Vicky Harris Cooper, and Randy Harris.
She is survived by her other two children, Ron Harris and wife, Maureen, of Grand Prairie, TX, and Melvin Wisdom and wife, Sylvia, of San Angelo, TX.
She is also survived by four generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews that were all dear to her heart.
Lou was an active and proud member of Grape Creek Baptist Church and had a passion for children and youth organizations and events. She will always be remembered for her wreath and flower arrangements, her wonderful home cooked meals, and her specialty of banana pudding.
Lou was a life member of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Texas State Restaurant Association, the Elks, Lions, and San Angelo Saddle Club. After she left the restaurant business, she went to work for many other companies and ended her working career at the age of 87 with Concho Cartridge in San Angelo, TX.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 9/20, at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 435 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo TX 76903 from 6:00p-8:00p. Funeral services will be held at 10:30a on Wednesday, 9/21, at Grape Creek Baptist Church, 9787 Grape Creek Road, San Angelo TX 76901. Burial will follow at the Pioneer Memorial Park, 8009 N. Hwy. 87, San Angelo, TX 76901.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation to your favorite charity organization or to Grape Creek Baptist Church, their youth or children’s fund.