Mary Britton

Mary Lou (Dee) Britton of Springfield, Tennessee, passed away Aug. 6, 2024.

Mary Lou was born Aug. 17, 1929, to John F. and Maggie E. (Clayton) Dee, in Butler County, Missouri. Mary Lou graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1947 and graduated from Three Rivers Community College in 1979. Mary Lou was an accomplished pianist and played for her church, for weddings and other events during her lifetime. Mary Lou was a member of the Xi Delta Xi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, was an avid golfer for much of her adult life and a collector of giraffe memorabilia.

Mary Lou is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Dawson) Williams of Springfield, Tennessee, her daughter-in-law, Cynthia Ward of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, her brother, William T. (Ruth L.) Dee, Sr. of Poplar Bluff, her granddaughter, Maribeth Esteep of Bridgeton, Missouri; her grandsons, John W. Gillett, of Watertown, Tennessee, and Eric D. (Katie) Ward of Reston, Virginia; her great-grandchildren, Christopher Esteep of Bridgeton, Missouri, Sam Esteep of Dekalb, Illinois, Elliot Ward and Naomi Ward, of Reston, Virginia; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul J. Britton; son, David L. Ward; two brothers, John F. Dee, Jr., and Roy E. Dee; and two sisters, Ruth M. Dee, and Doris N. Dee.

A graveside memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Three Springs Cemetery, Butler County, Missouri, at 3 p.m. Aug. 17, 2024.

Memorial donations in honor of Mary Lou may be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203.