Mary Lou Bizet passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 28, 2026, at the age of 79 after a long, hard fight with advanced dementia. She is survived by her life partner, Russel Poole, her sister Barbara (Steve) Callaway, her sons Derek (Tara) Thomas and Adam Thomas, and her daughter, Carey (Jonathan) Bowman, as well as her grandchildren, Mia, Rome, Van, Sara, Charlie, Ada, Drake and Chandler, and nieces Ashley, Leigh Ann, Brenda and Traci. Mary Lou graduated from Woodlawn High School in Shreveport and attended University of Louisiana – Monroe.

She had a lifelong love of taking care of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed hiking and camping, working in the yard, working on her home, and she was always up for an adventure, even if it was just driving the back roads looking for landscaping stones to add to her garden. Whatever the destination, she was always on the go.

Her daughter Carey remembers her mom teaching her how to cook and the many wonderful recipes they shared. Chicken and Dumplings was always Carey’s favorite.

Her son Derek remembers his mom’s unshakeable faith that he could do anything he wanted to, if he set his mind to it and never gave up.

Her son Adam remembers his mom attending every one of his sports activities. Whether it was soccer, baseball, basketball or lacrosse, she was always there cheering him on from the stands.

Mary Lou grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, but became a world traveler as an adult, and enjoyed getting to meet people and experience the cultures of many places around the world. Though she traveled far and wide, she always enjoyed getting home and celebrating holidays with her family.

She spent her whole adult life doing charity work for those who needed a little extra help in life. She especially loved volunteering at her beloved sister Barbara’s church, Broadmoor Presbyterian’s Vacation Bible School. Her grandchildren Sara and Charlie loved their summers at Broadmoor VBS. Mary Lou also loved spending time with friends in Stitchery group, Book Club and the Assistance League of Houston.

Mary Lou will be missed by those who knew and loved her, as well as by those whose lives she touched anonymously.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Shreveport on November 25, 2026.