Mary Wilson Obituary
Mary Lou Wilson, beloved by her family and friends, was known as a respected teacher, gracious host, thoughtful friend, and kind soul. Above all, she valued her relationship with God, her family, friends, and the natural world—elements of life she wrote about frequently in her many journals.
Surrounded by her daughter, Susan Wilson Alden, and grandson, James Garrett Alden, Mary Lou passed away peacefully at her home in Franklin, Tennessee, on September 25th, 2025.
Mary Lou graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. As an educator, she taught students of all ages and helped establish the Head Start program in Williamson County. In 1977, she founded the preschool at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.
An avid tennis player, Mary Lou used her skills to coach young players—from beginners to high school varsity athletes. During the summers, she ran tennis camps for developing players on the family’s beloved Quail Creek Farm in Arrington.
Mary Lou was passionate about health, the great outdoors, spiritual growth, history, and the arts.She led workshops and retreats focused on holistic health and wellness and served as the loving caretaker of the Grouse Run Medicine Wheel. She was also a talented writer and storyteller who loved sharing her gifts in schools, women’s circles, and workshops across the Southeast.
She was the daughter of the late Robert Love Garrett and Henrietta Raymer Garrett and was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Ed Wilson; sisters, Beverly and Juanita Garrett; and brother, Larry Garrett.
Mary Lou is survived by her sisters, Helen Palmer and Becky Sanders; her brother, Tommy Garrett; her daughter, Susan Alden; son-in-law, James Alden; and two grandsons, Garrett and Rylee Alden.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor, as well as in honor of her late husband, Ed Wilson, on March 14th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 101 Legends Club Lane, Franklin, TN 37069.Mary Lou’s legacy of kindness, wisdom, generosity, and love will live on in the lives she touched and the stories she shared.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
206B Cool Springs Blvd. Suite 201, Franklin, TN 37067
People and places connected with Mary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Wilson
Make a Donation
in Mary Wilson's name
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
