Howell, Michigan, August 18, 2025
News Summary
The Howell community mourns the loss of Mary Lou Morris, a 91-year-old resident known for her love, resilience, and community involvement. Born in Highland Park, she spent nearly a century nurturing family values while actively participating in local affairs. Survived by her son and daughter, Mary Lou leaves behind a legacy of strength and dedication that shaped the lives of many.
Howell, Michigan – Mary Lou Morris, a revered resident and fixture of the Howell community, passed away at the age of 91 on August 9, 2025. Her long and vibrant life spanned nearly a century, marked by love, resilience, and passionate community involvement.
Mary Lou was born on February 4, 1934, in Highland Park, Michigan, to parents Emory Bishop and Malinda (Scherzer) Wickline. She was the youngest of eight siblings, all of whom have predeceased her. Mary Lou’s personal life was intertwined with her late husband, Jack Morris, whom she married on April 20, 1951. Their relationship began in high school; they met when Mary Lou was just 15 years old and Jack was 16. Despite the challenges of life, including Jack’s military service during the Korean War, their bond remained unbreakable until his passing on January 1, 2016, after 65 years of marriage.
The couple welcomed their son, Jack Jr., while Jack was deployed. Mary Lou demonstrated remarkable strength by working full-time and seeking assistance from her sister, Bernice, to help care for their newborn. During Jack’s service, she also took the initiative to purchase and help build their first home in Novi, Michigan.
Following Jack’s severe heart attack at the age of 33, the family relocated to Trout Creek in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to improve his health. There, they not only constructed their new home but also purchased a small store on Bond Falls Flowage where they engaged in various business activities, including renting cabins and boats and creating campsites. In winter, they were known for maintaining cross-country ski trails that were enjoyed by many.
After 20 years in Trout Creek, the couple retired and moved to Chassell, where they spent another two decades cultivating a beautiful yard replete with fresh fruit and berries. In the latter years of Jack’s life, they returned to Howell to be closer to family due to his declining health.
Mary Lou is survived by her son Jack Jr. and wife Yngrid, and daughter Suzanne and husband Pat Macaluso. She was also a devoted grandmother to several grandchildren: Lisa Brewer and spouse Chris, Sara Wallace and spouse Ben, Brooke Morris, and Kirstin Tymkew and spouse Josh, along with multiple great-grandchildren who cherish her memory.
Friends and family wish to honor Mary Lou’s legacy through memorial contributions to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly at 527 Hancock Street, Hancock, MI 49930. Interment services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, allowing her family to pay their final respects.
Background and Legacy
Mary Lou Morris’s life reflects deep family values and community spirit. Her journey from Highland Park to Howell included the trials of raising a family during tumultuous times, notably Jack’s military service and health challenges. Her resilience encompassed not just struggles but triumphs that culminated in the love-filled home she shared with her family across multiple generations. Mary Lou’s commitment to her family, her involvement in her community, and her spirited approach to life will be dearly missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Mary Lou Morris’s date of birth?
Mary Lou Morris was born on February 4, 1934.
When did Mary Lou Morris pass away?
She passed away on August 9, 2025.
Who are Mary Lou Morris’s survivors?
Mary Lou is survived by her son Jack Jr. and wife Yngrid, daughter Suzanne and husband Pat Macaluso, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Where does Mary Lou Morris’s interment take place?
Interment will occur at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
How can someone make a memorial contribution in her name?
Memorial contributions can be made to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly at 527 Hancock Street, Hancock, MI 49930.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Novi Community Mourns the Loss of Cherished Residents
Community Mourns the Loss of Mary Lou Morris
Kerrytown Concert House: A Historic Renovation Revived
Additional Resources
- Mining Gazette: Mary Lou Morris Obituary
- Legacy: Audrey Dunlap Obituary
- Legacy: George Townsend Obituary
- Legacy: Peggy Hamlin Obituary
- Legacy: Kathryn Simmons Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google Search: Mary Lou Morris
- Google News: Mary Lou Morris
- Google Scholar: Mary Lou Morris
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
