Mary Lou Gillespie, 83, passed away Saturday, Sept., 12, 2009, at her home in Avalon.

She was born in Bardwell on July 31, 1926. Her parents were Clarence and Mayme (Aldridge) Cunningham. Mary Lou graduated from Bardwell High School in 1943.

On Jan. 21, 1944, she married Pete Gillespie of Avalon. They were married for 60 years until his death in 2004. The Gillespies made their home in Avalon. After her youngest daughter started school, Mary Lou went to work for the U.S. Postal Service. She retired as postmistress of Avalon in 1992 after 27 years of service.

She was a member of the Bardwell Church of Christ. Most recently she attended the Italy Church of Christ.

Mary Lou is survived by three daughters, Mary Grace Bates of Waxahachie, Marcia Gillespie of Addison, and Carol Gillespie, also of Addison; one granddaughter, Paige Frome and her husband Bill of Richardson; four great-grandchildren, Caleb, Hannah, Rebecca and Noah Frome of Richardson; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Maidell West and Kay Dover; and one son-in-law, Bob Bates.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at J.E. Keever Mortuary.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in the Keever Chapel. Interment will follow at Elm Branch Cemetery, Bardwell.

An online guest book is available at www.jekeevermortuary.com by selecting the Mary Lou Gillespie obituary.

Arrangements by J.E. Keever Mortuary, Ennis.