Mary Lou Thurmond Cothran

Mary Lou Thurmond Cothran of Fairhope, AL died peacefully on September 3, 2024 at the age of 78, after living with dementia for many years. Mary Lou was an artist, entrepreneur, and eternal optimist. She was born on July 27, 1946 in Dallas, TX.

 Mary Lou studied English at Southern Methodist University. She later moved to Selma, AL where she would begin a successful career as a designer of children’s products, including hand-painted accessories, appliquéd bedding, and apparel. In partnership with her husband, Jim Cothran, she built a thriving business, and her designs were sold in stores across the country. More recently, Mary Lou enjoyed working one-on-one with clients to create custom bedding at her storefront in downtown Fairhope, AL.

 Mary Lou had three beloved grandchildren who knew her affectionately as Lou Lou. She enthusiastically attended their plays, concerts, and countless award ceremonies. She enjoyed teaching them to play tennis and racquetball. She was always up for a movie, game of Scrabble, or artistic project. Like her own talented mother, Mary Lou’s creativity was endless. She literally NEVER ran out of ideas!

 Mary Lou was able to find the good in challenges and faced obstacles with humor and determination. When aphasia impacted her communication skills, she expressed herself through painting and found joy in sharing her work with others, especially her faithful friends at The Coffee Loft.

 Guided by her deep spiritual commitment, Mary Lou lovingly served in children’s ministry at her church homes in Selma and Magnolia Springs. She lived out her values by mentoring youth and caring for people in vulnerable situations. Mary Lou was known for her kindness. In high school, she was voted Friendliest Girl; and towards the end of her life, her nurses remarked that there was something special about Mary Lou.

Mary Lou is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Jim Cothran; two daughters, Christine Aiken (husband Tom) and Mary Peyton Peppo (husband Bret); three brothers, Bob, Ernie, and Virgil Thurmond; and three cherished grandchildren, John, Peyton, and Wyatt. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

 The family would like to thank the caring staff at Arabella Health and Wellness Center and the compassionate hospice team with Aveanna Healthcare.

 In remembrance of Mary Lou’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel in Magnolia Springs, AL. For more information, please visit https://www.stpaulsms.org/ 

 A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 22nd at St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel, 14755 Oak Street, Magnolia Springs, AL 36555. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

19698 GREENO RD.

FAIRHOPE AL. 36532

(251) 990-7775

www.wolfefuneralhomes.com