Mrs. Mary Lou Sizemore

At 3:57 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Jesus called home one of His most faithful and radiant servants—Mary Lou Sizemore. While our hearts ache, we also rejoice knowing Heaven is shining a little brighter today.

Born in Newton, Mississippi, on March 1, 1940, Mary Lou lived a life that left a mark on everyone she met. Her love for the Lord wasn’t just something she kept in her heart—it was her life’s mission. Whether in the grocery store line or at the doctor’s office, she made sure those around her knew about Jesus. Many came to know Him because she dared to speak with bold, unfiltered love.

Mary Lou met the love of her life, Charlie Sizemore, in August of 1963. They were married on December 15 of that same year at Midway Baptist Church in her hometown. Less than a month later, the newlyweds traveled to North Carolina for the funeral of Charlie’s father—and never returned to Mississippi to live. Instead, they built a beautiful life together in Greensboro, NC, for nearly 51 years until Charlie’s passing in 2014.

She was a trailblazer in her career, serving as President of Southern Discount Finance Company, later Fleet Finance, for over 25 years. But on one unforgettable night in May 1987, while preparing for McLeansville Baptist Church’s very first Mother/Daughter Banquet, Mary Lou suddenly collapsed. In a miraculous twist that only Jesus could orchestrate, two women, attending the Ladies’ Helping Hands meeting for the first time - were there and trained in CPR. Their quick action saved her life, and she never stopped giving God the glory. Sharon Robertson and Joann Gattis remained two very special names in her heart ever since.

Even long after retirement, Mary Lou’s unforgettable voice preceded her. Strangers-turned-friends would recognize it from across stores, parking lots, and waiting rooms: “Are you Mary Lou Sizemore? I know that voice anywhere!”

She didn’t love change (and she’d tell you that herself!), but she fiercely loved her people. Whether it was her long-time doctors - Dr.  Richard Weintraub, Dr. Marne Tower, and Dr. Croitoru—or her cherished church family at McLeansville Baptist, Mary Lou treasured every soul the Lord placed in her life.

She was prissy in the very best way. Hair perfectly curled. Makeup flawless. Every outfit carefully chosen and elegantly worn. Sass? Oh, she had it—and she wore it just as proudly as her pearls.

She was a founding member of the Ladies' Helping Hands group at McLeansville Baptist Church and remained a faithful member until her passing. Her legacy of kindness, grace, and firm faith will live on in every woman she touched through that ministry.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Charlie Sizemore; two precious grandbabies she never met this side of Heaven; her parents William Howard and Audie Inez Crosby Harris; siblings Alton Leo Harris (infant), Cora Harris Barnett, and Mark Harris; nephew Randy Walters; brother-in-law Donald Walters; niece Melissa Barnett Comans (who passed the same day as Mary Lou—no doubt walking into Heaven together!); and a host of dearly loved in-laws from the Sizemore family.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Crystal Sizemore of Burlington, NC; her pride and joy, grandson Dalton Sizemore; and her sweet granddaughter, Alexis “Lexi” Bridges, both of Burlington, NC. She also leaves behind her sister Fran Harris Walters of Newton, MS, and brother Kenny Harris (Shirley), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family from both the Harris and Sizemore sides.

Special friends who became family include Kim Bandy of “Kim & Barry,” and Cindy Truitt of McLeansville, NC, both of whom brought light, laughter, and companionship to Mary Lou’s days.

To know her was to love her—and oh, how deeply she loved in return. We will miss her sassy humor, her heart full of Scripture, her unwavering faith, and that unmistakable voice that always made you feel seen and special.

We take comfort in knowing that today, Mary Lou is whole and healed, standing before her Savior—the One she never stopped talking about. And we’re pretty sure she’s already reorganized the Heavenly banquet committee.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” —Matthew 25:21 (KJV)

A funeral service will be held at 3:00pm Saturday at McLeansville Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00pm at McLeansville Baptist Church.

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