Mary Lou Holtzclaw

Mary Lou Brock Holtzclaw, 90, of Monroe, NC; formerly of Charlotte, NC peacefully passed away on Monday March 29, 2021. She was the beloved wife to the late, Charles Winford Holtzclaw, OD. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary March 12, 2020. Mary Lou is survived by her three children Charles Winford Holtzclaw, Jr. and wife Paula, Carol Denise Holtzclaw, Lou Anne Holtzclaw McBride and husband Roy. She was a grandmother to six grandchildren, Charles Grover Holtzclaw, Sara Belle Harper, Foreste Marie Hess, Charles Brock Holtzclaw, Samara Li Jing McBride, and Elijah Jian Xi McBride and six great grandchildren Perry and Hadley Holtzclaw, Avery and Eli Harper, Lily Hess and Charlie Holtzclaw. Mary Lou was one of five children born on July 9, 1930 to William Fred and Eva Louise Brock. In addition, Mary Lou was preceded in death by Katherine Deal, William Fred Brock Jr., Charles Brock and survived by Robert Brock. Mary Lou attended Central High School where she was a cheerleader, President of the Girls Good Sports Club and, President of Circle. She was a lifelong member of the Lucky Nine group, a core group of women from Central High who stayed deeply connected throughout their lives. When Mary Lou met her husband “Wint” soon after World War II, she joined his Big Band and became lead singer; their love for music continued throughout their lifetime together where they often gathered by the piano to play and sing. Mary Lou was an active member of the Union County community and served as President of Inner Wheel, Board Member of Stanley Community College, in Albemarle for Union County, served on the Homeless Shelter Board, Board Member of the Red Cross, and Girl Scout Leader. She attended Wingate College and UNC-Chapel Hill where she received her North Carolina Real Estate license and became a broker. Her family and close friends knew her best as an avid tennis player and was proud to celebrate her State Championship in Doubles for her age group. She loved working in her rose garden and enjoying her birds singing overhead and would tell us all that “Somewhere over the Rainbow” was one of her favorite songs, along with “In the Garden”. She loved the arts and hosted several Community of the Arts in her home showcasing artist such as Andy Smith, Carl Peverall, and the late William Brewer. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. There will be a private graveside service attended by family only. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, P. O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com . Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Holtzclaw Family.