Mary Lou Williams' Obituary
Mary Lou Williams went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2021 at the age of 91. She was born Mary Lou Otts on April 21, 1930 in Royce City, Texas. She was the third child of Lucille and Herbert Otts. Mary Lou loved and learn a lot from older siblings Patrick and Billie Jean.
As a child, Mary Lou loved all animals. She especially loved her own horse, which she enjoyed riding on the family ranch “Sand Acres.” For her entire life, May Lou loved training animals, and even taught all of her pet dogs to ring a bell at the back door when they wanted to go out. She trained a favorite dog named Katie to shut the door when the dog came inside.
Mary Lou was a natural performer as a member of the Flashes at Greenville High School. She was chosen to be Head Majorette, twirling the baton and throwing it as high as a second story chimney, catching it, and never missing a beat. Also known as a beauty, Mary Lou was voted “Favorite” girl of her 1947 graduating class.
After two years in college, Mary Lou married her High School sweetheart Hyatt Cheek Jr. (also of Greenville) in 1949. The young couple lived in Terrell and then Dallas, until Hyatt joined the Air Force at which time they moved to California. In their second year of marriage, son David was born on a military base in Riverside, California. The couple later welcomed two daughters, Linda and Cheryl.
During their fifty years of marriage, Hyatt and Mary Lou were faithful members of White Rock United Methodist Church, helping with a major construction/renovation project.
Mary Lou was always passionate in her love of flowers and gardens, constantly making her yard full of gorgeous blooming plants. She took part in a Garden Club for many years and then volunteered as a Docent at the Dallas Arboretum, which was one of her favorite places.
As a full-time wife and mother, Mary Lou also found time for her neighborhood book club called “Atlasta” and served as its president twice.
After her children became adults, Mary Lou returned to her love of painting, creating beautiful landscapes that were eventually included in an art show. She enjoyed making friends happy by giving to them paintings of their choice. While pursuing her hobby, Mary Lou met her second husband, Dr. Burton Williams. Together they joined the Park Cities Baptist Church, attended Bible study, and made many friends.
Mary Lou was always a gracious hostess and loved making a beautiful home. She also took wonderful care of her parents and in-laws, checking on them daily and helping in any way as they declined in health. She was a life-long caregiver to young and old.
She is survived by her three children and two son-in-laws, David Cheek of Garland, Linda Heinrich and spouse Randall of Sugar Land, and Cheryl Bregenzer and spouse Michael of Houston.
She also loved and was enormously proud of her five grandchildren; Angela Heinrich Mauney, Conrad Heinrich, Mason Bregenzer, Marshall Bregenzer and Madeline Bregenzer.
Funeral services will be held on August 30th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wildwood Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?