Mary Lou Brinkley

Mary Lou Childers Brinkley of Statesville passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018 at her home. Born August 23, 1928 in Catawba County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late William M. Childers and Zelia Brittain Childers.



Mrs. Brinkley was a graduate of Granite Falls High School and Statesville Business College. She was married to the love of her life, Sam H. Brinkley, who preceded her in death on October 25, 1976. Mary Lou was a retired medical secretary and volunteer at Iredell Memorial Hospital.



Mary Lou was a loving mother and grandmother. Her favorite times were spent with her family. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She lived her life by the words, "Treat people like you would want to be treated."



In addition to her husband, Sam, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kelli S. Brinkley; three sisters, Leona Wilson, Toy Simmons, and June Lefever; and one brother, D.W. Childers.



She is survived by one son, D. William "Bill" Brinkley (Jennifer Schneider) of Statesville; two grandsons, Samuel "Sam" T. Brinkley of Marion, NC and Jack I. Brinkley a student at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA; special friend of 27 years John Reynolds; one brother, Jerry Childers (Gail) of Granite Falls, NC; one sister, Joann Simmons (Tommy) of Newton-Conover, NC; and many special nieces and nephews, including Carol, Carita, Lynn, Amy, Dink, Judy and George.



Celebration of life memorial services will be conducted 2:00 pm Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with family friend Beth Davidson officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service.



Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Mary Lou Brinkley.