Birth date: Jul 23, 1934 Death date: Jan 29, 2026
Mary Lou (Robinson) DeIlinger Henegar Whiteley was born on July 23, 1934, in Benton County, Arkansas, near Siloam Springs. She was the beloved daughter of Elmer and Pauline Robinson. Mary Lou grew up surrounded by family as one of Read Obituary
There is a very special place in my heart named"Mary Lou". She was humble, cute, dedicated, loving, understanding, patient, meek, and fun. She knew the Bible well, although she deferred to others during group meeting and insisted she was "just" a servant. She was a loyal friend and a cherished daughter of the Father.
My favorite story #1... several years ago, Mary Lou, Blair (my mother), and I were looking for a new church. We would choose a church to visit and Blair and I would pick up Mary Lou. One Sunday, I walked in to our "church of the week", with Blair and Mary Lou, arms linked together, behind me. I noticed a bowl by the door filled with ear plugs and commented that it wasn't a good sign. We laughed and decided it was too late to go someplace else. As we entered the sanctuary, it was almost pitch black. Blair and I were barely able to see and we knew Mary Lou could see even less, but she was a trouper so we somehow found a row of chairs and sat down. Mary Lou quietly said, "Well this is one way to keep you in church. You can't find a door to get out!" The purpose for the ear plugs soon became obvious - the music was deafening. Blue neon lights began to swirl and I swear there were disco balls hanging from the ceiling. Blair said she needed a joint and a lighter and she would be at a rock concert. Mary Lou giggled in her demure way. Although we liked the sermon and the pastor we agreed this wasn't the church for us.
Favorite story #2... Codi, my granddaughter, often attended church at Life Park with me. When she was about two, I was holding her and she looked over my shoulder and said, "Look at those grandmas." I glanced behind me and saw Mary Lou with several ladies sitting together. Codi then said, "There's a BUNCH." From then on, Mary Lou and those ladies were Codi's church grandmas. Codi was often with me when Mary Lou was setting up for her care group Bible studies, so Codi and Mary Lou developed a friendship. When Covid hit the world, Codi and I went to several homes so she could decorate their sidewalks -- Mary Lou's house was a priority. It was so fun to see her come outside and see Codi's chalk drawings!
Mary Lou, you have left a lasting impact on everyone who was blessed to know you. Your legacy of love, grace, joy, and acceptance lives on.
