On Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, we said goodbye to a dear friend and neighbor, Mary Lou Lumpkin. While the day was cold, wet and dreary, our hearts were warm and full of loving and beautiful memories. This precious lady’s life touched so many in a kind, generous and positive manner. She was a devout Christian, church and Sunday school member, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and neighbor. It’s difficult to describe her many attributes. She had a way with written words that came alive on paper. She fashioned beautiful objects from scraps of paper, cloth, rocks, shells, wood, old jewelry, buttons, cans and jars (she could make almost anything from nothing). We were on the receiving end of the gifts from anonymous, secret sister, Santa, friend and bunny rabbit, etc. We all knew who the treasures were from. Her creative talent and sharing were well known.

She loved her home. It was a gathering place for friends to get together to talk, share good and bad times, enjoy a meal, play bingo, or watch Alabama/Auburn ball games. Sometimes world problems were almost solved in the den and, of course, much more conversation. Oh, what memories!

Mary Lou loved her neighborhood and was involved (usually spearheaded) in any project to improve the area. She placed yellow ribbons on our mailboxes to honor soldiers from Pinehurst and all other military serving in Iraq. She collected money for charitable drives. She loved our entrances and contributed to the renovation and maintenance (money and time). When I look at our entrance, I can almost see Ned Farish watering the young shrubbery while Mary Lou and Sybil “inspected,” talked, pulled some weeds, and talked some more. Oh, what wonderful neighbors.

We friends and neighbors cherish our times with this gracious lady and are thankful to have known and loved her and her family. For those who are not as fortunate to have known her, just close your eyes and visualize a beautiful, smiling angel sitting on a bench in God’s flower garden, welcoming you to her new home.

We thank Sue and John, the grandchildren and great grandchildren for sharing your loved one with us. You welcomed us into your home during a very private and difficult time.

Farewell sweet Mary Lou. We will miss you.

Martha Warren

Selma