"Mama Lou Stoner" aka: Mary Louise Stoner

Mary Louise Stoner, affectionately known as Mama Lou Stoner, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at her beloved home in Gordon, Texas, surrounded by family, at the remarkable age of 108. Born on December 21, 1916, in Gordon to Ephriam Augustus and Martha Flinn (Henderson) Jones, Louise spent her life nurturing a legacy of love and warmth that will forever be cherished.

On May 25, 1934, the day she graduated high school, Louise married the love of her life, Wallace C. Stoner. Their bond was a testament to lasting love, built over decades of shared laughter and cherished memories. A devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Gordon, she found joy in her faith, participating in church dinners and events that brought friends and family together. Louise was also a proud lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Her passion for cooking was well-known among her loved ones, particularly her skill in crafting jams and jellies from the fruits and vegetables she cultivated in her garden. Holidays were a special time for Louise, especially Halloween, when she delighted in welcoming her grandchildren and handing out candy to all children. Louise's love for sports was evident as she cheered on her favorite baseball and football teams. Many peaceful afternoons were spent enjoying homemade ice cream on the swing her husband once built for her, a place where she found solace and companionship.

Louise will be remembered not just for her culinary talents or her devotion to family, but for her spirit-a spirit that brought life and joy to all who knew her. She is survived by her two sons, Jimmy Don Stoner and Michael Stoner; daughters-in-law JoAnn Stoner and Ann Morgan Stoner; and twelve grandchildren, thirty- five great-grandchildren, forty-five great-great-grandchildren, and five great-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Wallace; her daughter, Syble Stoner Haney and her husband, Orval; three sons, Herman Stoner and wife, Paula, Calvin Stoner and wife, Wanda, and Herbert Stoner; two daughters-in-law, Sula Stoner and Ann B. Stoner; and two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Louise's life will be honored and celebrated on Sunday, July 6, 2025, when she will rest in state from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home Strawn. A Memorial Service will be held in her memory on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Gordon, officiated by Rev. Kristen Perkins Glover and Rev. Brenda Weir. Interment will follow at New Gordon Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest among the friends and family she cherished.

Pallbearers will include her grandsons: Harvey Haney, Wendell Stoner, Chris Stoner, and Don Stoner. Mary Louise Stoner's legacy of love, family, and community will forever echo in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers a memorial can be made to the Gordon Food Pantry at P.O. Box 153, Gordon, Texas 76453.