Mary Lou Scribner's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Mary Lou Scribner
October 25, 1934 – July 23, 2025
Mary Lou Scribner’s story shines with faith, family, and a joyful spirit that welcomed everyone to the table—especially if a deck of cards or a penny slot machine was nearby. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 25, 1934, Mary Lou grew up compassionate, humble, and kind—traits that followed her through every season of life.
Friends and relatives loved to joke that no one balanced church on Sunday morning and a friendly wager on Saturday night quite like Mary Lou. Her favorite record-breaking moment came at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, where she turned a penny slot spin into an $8,000 win—proof that her playful grin and quick laugh often went home victorious. Whether she was sharing a hymn or rolling the dice, Mary Lou found joy in praising all that is good and in cheering on the people around her.
Family remained Mary Lou’s proudest treasure. She is celebrated by her son, James A. Scribner; her grandchildren, James Jeremy Scribner and William Anthony Scribner; and by her great-grandchildren, Cadin Scribner, Bailey Scribner, and Avery Carter.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, William Frank Atwood Sr. and Myrtle Mae Atwood; her sisters, Jane Elizabeth Atwood and Ann Frances Atwood; and her brothers, William Frank Atwood Jr., Edwin Emmett Atwood, John Wesley Atwood, James Donald Atwood, Robert Turner Atwood, and Richard Lewis Atwood. She spoke of each of them often, keeping their memories bright with her warm stories.
Mary Lou’s favorite pastime was simple—gather friends and family, pull out a game, and fill the room with laughter. If you ever asked for advice, she usually answered with kindness first and strategy second. She believed every hand dealt in life was a chance to show compassion.
As we celebrate her beautiful life, let’s remember Mary Lou each time we shuffle a deck, drop a coin in a slot, or choose kindness over hurry. Her joyful spirit lives on in every game played with love and every quiet act of care shared with another.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?