Mary Lou Gerrish

March 12, 1939 - January 13, 2021
Mary Lou Gerrish

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Mary Lou Mallard Gerrish, 81 of Wilmington, NC passed away on Wednesday January 13, 2021 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Mary Lou was born March 12, 1939 in Wilmington, NC a daughter of the late William Mallard and Lucille Williams, who preceded her in death.

Mary Lou was a member of St. Johns Episcopal Church. She was a Public Accountant and worked for several CPA firms in Wilmington. She was instrumental in establishing the UnSeen Guest Program (Meals for elderly/disabled) in her Church. She was a member of the Red Hat Club for several years and served as a volunteer with St. Johns Vacation Bible School.

She is survived by he husband Richard; her son, Stephen Gerrish of Wilmington; her daughter, Karen Long of Sneads Ferry and one grandchild, Aaron; sisters, Wanda Allen of Wilmington and Etta Jean Horrell of New Bern; as well as a nephew, Christopher Allen of Wilmington; and nieces Becky Mc Clay of New Bern and Vicki Tyndall of New Bern.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 2PM, at the St. Johns Episcopal Church Memorial Garden led by Father Eric Moulton officiating.

Contributions in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to The Unseen Guest Program at St. Johns Episcopal Church.

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


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  • January 18, 2021
    Martha Snyder Wright says:
    Dick, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying you and your family feel the arms of God around you now, and the difficult weeks ahead. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • January 17, 2021
    Ginger Pluta Humphrey and family says:
    We are so saddened by your loss of Mary Lou. Please know we are sending healing thoughts to all of you at this difficult time. Mary Lou was very special and many memories will remain in our hearts. Gods peace be with all of you.

  • January 17, 2021
    Cathy Melton Sheridan says:
    I send my deepest condolences to you, Dick, Steven, Karen and to the extended family for your loss. Mary Lou has been one of my precious friends for almost 50 years. I never fathomed losing her in this life, but I know she'll be waiting for me at the gates of heaven when I arrive... a huge smile, a monstrous hug, and waiting for me to crack a joke about Dick! She stood with me through thick and thin over the years, even though I left Wilmington years ago. We spent many very special times together with my baby showers, going to the movies with Dick as the non-stop narrator, and they were even with me when Johnny and I got the news that we'd won a bid on a house. The most wonderful memories I treasure were the annual trips to Chapel Hill. The Angus Barn, trying to eat with chopsticks at the Japanese Steakhouse, her laughter at watching Johnny and I count french fries at McDonald's in Raleigh...our annual trip to the old Rathskeller Restaurant in Chapel Hill.... she put up with so much of hilarity Dick and I would throw at her and each other. I have too many memories to share, but I know the family understands what I'm talking about. Mary Lou was the one of the most precious friends God has ever given me. I'll miss her terribly the rest of my life, but I know she'll be waiting for me when I see her again. Love you, Dick and I feel your grief....with you always and a day, Mary Lou!

  • January 17, 2021
    Mary LeGwin McKeithan says:
    Etta Jean and Wanda, I am so sorry. Growing up at Fifth Avenue was such a special time for all of our families and our parents truly loved each other. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Lou’s family and you as you mourn the loss of someone so special to you.

  • January 17, 2021
    Donna Vandergrift Kraynick says:
    Dick, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family