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“His sorrow was not solitude, it was that other gulls refused to believe the glory of flight that awaited them; they refused to open their eyes and see.”
– Richard Bach
Mary Lou (Birdsong) Kenyon of Suwanee, GA passed into the Promised Land on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 92 years of age.
A memorial service will be held for Mary Lou at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 23 at Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Rd, Johns Creek, GA in the Sanctuary.
Born October 12, 1927 in Hoisington, KS, Mary Lou was the only daughter of the late Hiram and Martha Birdsong. Mary Lou had three brothers; Bob, Seedy, and Red who preceded her in death.
After graduation from Hoisington High School in 1945, Mary Lou and her best friend, Joann Rea, immediately left their small-town beginnings to head for our nation’s capital. They were recruited by the US Civil Services Administration to support the WWII war effort. Living in Arlington, VA, Mary Lou soon met recently returned US Army veteran, Wendell S. Kenyon. After only 11 months of dating, Wendell and Mary Lou were married in October 1946. They have enjoyed 73 years of inseparable marriage and devotion to one another.
Mary Lou and Wendell raised their family in Fairfax, VA and established this as their home for 35 years until moving to Suwanee, GA in 1999. Mary Lou cherished her family. She was very active in St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Fairfax, VA. She is survived by her husband, Wendell; three children, Randy, Stacie and John; four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
As a breast cancer survivor, she also volunteered with the Cancer Society, helping other women face their battle. She recognized the importance of giving back to a community that had helped her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 3570 Buford Hwy #202, Duluth, GA (678) 584-0914.
Butch Alder says
Wonderful memories of Mrs. Kenyon while growing up in Fairfax. Her and Mr. Kenyon were gracious hosts and made all of us troublemakers feel welcome in their home. My condolences, best wishes, and prayers are with Mr. Kenyon and family.
Grady Birdsong Family says
My Aunt Mary Lou was the daughter of my dear Grandmother, Martha. I dearly loved my Grandma. Aunt Mary Lou was the embodiment of her Mother. Both, always concerned about their children and grandchildren, always forgiving of life’s misdoings. Both dedicated to their family and their well-being, always willing to lend a listening ear to the troubles of each. It is with deep sorrow, sadness and heavy heart that we have to say goodbye to our last Birdsong of my Grandparents family. On the other side, and up in the ethereal, I am positive the Lord welcomed my Aunt and will keep her in peace and serenity for eternity. Our condolences, prayers and wishes go out to Aunt Mary Lou’s entire family as she now resides in the house of the Lord forever. I hope and pray to see her and all of our family members someday again.
Semper Fidelis,
Barry Sherrick says
Very fond memories of MaryLou as neighbors in Suwanee. MaryLou was a great woman and I consider myself fortunate to have known her and Wendell. . She will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family during this time.
James Slagle says
We make lifetime friends at different stages of our life. Mary Lou and Wendell made my work and life at Celebration Village worthwhile In many ways. Mary Lou helped me to remain strong during my mother’s final years. She told me life is a journey and all we can hope for is that we enjoy the journey God plans for us. Mary Lou made me feel special and I hope she knew how special she and Wendell are to me.
I look forward to seeing you again my friend.
Gordon Knight family says
On a hot summer day in 1977 Connie, our two youngsters and I moved to Fairfax VA. Living next door were welcoming neighbors, Wendell and Mary Lou (with her beloved dog, Oliver). That day forty, two years ago, began our special friends relationship. Next door Fairfax neighbors for twenty plus years and, after both our families moved to GA years ago, practically next door neighbors again!. We’re fortunate, we’re blessed, to have a treasure chest of good memories and family experiences with Mary Lou and Wendell spanning decades.
Now, in the words of a favorite folk ballad,“the golden bells ring and the angels sing” for our dear friend, Mary Lou.
Philip Hudson says
I’ve recently (2023) become friends with Wendell through my father, who lives at the same community. I can only imagine what an angel MaryLou must have been. I cherish the time I spend with Wendell and wish we could have met MaryLou too. Condolences to the family.