Mary Lou Horton

Mary Lou Horton was born September 1, 1939 to the late David Sr. and Ella Buford. The youngest of three children, Mary attended public school in Sumner County, graduating from Union High School in Gallatin, Tennessee.

At an early age, she confessed her hope in Christ and was baptized at Rockland Missionary Baptist Church. Diligently demonstrating her faithfulness to God, she served in the culinary ministry as well as the Ushers ministry, where she proudly served as treasurer until her health began to decline.

On, April 27th, 1953, Mary took a vow before God, joining in holy matrimony with Mr. Otto Horton. Of that union, two children were born, Derrick and Sharon.

For over 45 years, she served as the owner and operator of the Horton Family Daycare, retiring in 2007. Affectionately called “Mrs. Mary” by the children and parents of those she looked after, she truly had a passion for early childhood education understanding that the emotional, social, and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and the type of adult they will become.

Mary enjoyed every aspect of life, but most of all, spending time with her family, mainly her grandchildren, by supporting them in various sporting events and academic activities. She made it a point to expose them to the world surrounding them through traveling, and encouraged each of them to reach for the moon, and land on the stars.

On May 28th, 2018 she peacefully transitioned from this life to eternity surrounded by family and close friends at her home

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, David, Sr. and Ella Buford; her sister, Mable Buford; her brother, David Buford Jr., and her nephews, Carlos and Eric Buford.

Survived by her devoted husband, Otto Horton; devoted daughter, Sharon Horton-Love; devoted son, Derrick (Natalie) Horton; devoted nieces, LaTangie (Tracy) Commings of Atmore, AL., and Raven Felix of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, DeJuan Horton, Demarius Love of Washington, D.C., Bridgette Horton, Dedric Love of Memphis, TN., and Dorwin Love; great grandchildren, DeJuan Horton Jr. and TeJuan Horton; great-nieces, Joleecia Pearson of Littlestown, PA., Arika Buford of New Orleans, LA; sisters-in-law, Betty Buford-Felix of Atmore, AL, Bettie Jo Malone, and Thelma Horton; special daughter, Carla Woods-Horton; special son, James Love, IV; devoted friend, Anita Bailey; host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends; and the entire Rockland Baptist Church Family.