Mary Louise Fairfax

1918 - 2023

Louise, Mom, Meemaw-Mary Louise Crowell Fairfax was among the last of a remarkable generation of American women: born in the First World War, growing up in the Depression, and starting a family in the Second World War.

Born on March 8, 1918, and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mary Louise Crowell was the second of four sisters: Alice, then Mary Louise, then Emily and Frances.

She won a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, majoring in physical education, and said kinesiology was the hardest course she took.

Louise met and married Virgil Fairfax, a young Army officer who for the rest of his life kept the nickname Louie from his days as a lieutenant. They had three daughters-Alice, Mary, and Jeannie.

At the end of the war Louie decided to become part of the new U.S. Air Force. Like most military families, the Fairfaxes moved from one Air Force base to another, mostly in the U.S. and for three years in England. Louie went ahead to each new posting and it was up to Louise to organize the packing, moving, unpacking, and settling in. When Louie had to be flown home to Walter Reed for emergency surgery, it was up to Louise to care for the girls, get them back to the U.S. and then drive to Washington where their father was recovering. The trip included a dramatic incident, when a wheel came off their car on the Pulaski Skyway in heavy traffic. With help from a complete stranger, Louise and the girls and the car were helped to safety and they continued the drive to Washington next day. The family stayed in Washington for a few months while Louie recovered.

Louie's last military post was in Memphis, Tennessee. After his retirement, Louie and Louise stayed in Memphis; Louie became a senior executive of Wells Fargo before retiring for good. The couple enjoyed a long old age together, traveling and visiting their far-flung, growing family of grandchildren.

Louise has left her family with many memories.

Alice remembers: "Mom was capable and organized with a good sense of humour. She cooked great meals for us for many years, but Sunday night dinners after we were grown, she and my dad had beer and popcorn and she had a night off from cooking for us. The idea of such a meal always amused Mom and made her smile."

Alice adds: "I remember how glad mom to see us when we went to visit her for her 100th birthday. She looked so happy to see us sitting on the sofa when she came back from lunch. What a great smile she had on her face and we had such a good time visiting her."

Mary remembers: "Gardening for Mom came naturally. Her mother was also a gardener, perhaps of necessity. Mom loved being in the outdoors, enjoying her surroundings. She knew the local birds, flowers and could identify trees wherever we were living. Her rock collection in the Memphis garden was epic and became a showplace for her begonias. Of course the rocks were gathered from her life of travel. Mom's enjoyment of life and living things were her gifts to all of us."

Jeannie recalls: "They were both great walkers. After a dinner the habit was to have a relaxing walk. During my childhood (far and wide!) - they introduced me to a vast and enthralling world; and that explains my life thereafter. For a life of adventure, I thank them."

Anna, Alice's daughter, writes: "The last time I went to Memphis to visit Meemaw was with my Mum. We spent four days with Meemaw as she healed from a broken leg. Even though she was older and healing, her mind was sharper than ever. She was full of wit, positivity and courage. I remember going to the dining room and having dinner with her and her friends. Memories I will always hold dear. Rest in peace, Meemaw."

Jeannie's son Will remembers wearing out the wheels of his Big Wheels trike in Louise's driveway on Windover, and a fishing trip to Myrtle Beach: "She tried to help me reel something in and we ended up breaking the line."

Louise faced and met a century's worth of challenges with grace, courage, stubbornness, and humor. She will be long remembered with love by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Trezevant Manor Foundation, or charity of choice in lieu of flowers.