Mary Louise Stokes Bufford

Mary “Louise” Stokes Bufford was born to Vivian McKenzie Stokes and Arthur Stokes on March 29, 1929 in Genoa, Arkansas; and Louise went to be with her Savior on June 8, 2025 at the age of 96. Louise grew up in Texarkana, Arkansas where she graduated from high school, then completed 2 years of business college. She met Haskal “Gordon” Bufford in 1948, and they married on April 23, 1949. After Gordon was discharged from the Army, he went to work for Magnolia Oil (which later became Mobil, then Exxon Mobil). Louise and Gordon spent 7 years traveling over much of the western half of the United States while Gordon worked in the oil fields. Louise loved traveling and all the people they met! Gordon ultimately ended up in Mobil Oil’s research and development lab in Dallas, and he and Louise settled in Lancaster, Texas where they raised two daughters, Kathy and Susan, and were faithful members of the First Baptist Church of Lancaster. They planted deep roots and made many wonderful friends in Lancaster; in fact, in approximately 1961, Louise started a 42 Club consisting of several couples who got together and played 42 once a month in each other’s homes, a tradition which went on for decades. Louise and Gordon had been married for 49 years when Gordon passed away in 1998. Louise loved her girls, and in 2006 she moved to Austin to be near Kathy and Susan (but probably more because she wanted to be near her only grandchild, Dalton!) In true Louise selfless fashion, she left her home, her church, her friends and the town she loved because she didn’t want Kathy and Susan to have to travel back and forth to Lancaster should her health start failing. Louise bought a duplex across the street from Bannockburn Baptist where her grandson Dalton attended school. She loved having Dalton come over every day after school to spend time with her until Jeff or Susan picked him up. Louise went to Bannockburn Baptist where she was part of the Joy Sunday School Class. There she met her friend Willie Mae, and they were fast friends until Willie Mae passed. She made many other amazing friends in that Sunday School class, including Lynn Barnes who continued to check on her right up until the time she passed. Even after Gordon passed, Louise loved to travel. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of going on a cruise to Alaska, several cross-country trips with cousins, and at 81 she and her cousin Margrete (also 81) drove to Yellowstone together! It was wonderful hearing her recount the good times they had laughing and talking all along the way. It was truly about the journey, not the destination. At 82, Louise was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It was a 14 year journey, one that she would not have picked, but she never complained other than to laugh and say, “I sure miss my mind” – never realizing that she had Alzheimer’s. Her final 6 years were spent in assisted living, then memory care, where she ultimately passed away. Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her daughter, Kathy Ann Bufford Favor; as well as her siblings - Allan Stokes, Dorothy Stokes Martin, Wayne Stokes, Patsy Stokes Austin, Arthur Stokes and Barbara Stokes Young. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Bufford White; son-in-law, Jeff White; her grandson Dalton White; and a host of nieces and nephews - all of whom she loved so much – and all of whom will remember Louise’s soft voice, sweet smile and the twinkle in her eyes! The family would like to thank her physician assistant, Alison Conway, whose care and compassion will never be forgotten; Halcyon Hospice (Cathy and Kevin); and a host of caregivers at Ledgestone and at the Auberge at Onion Creek. Most importantly, they want to thank Linda Austin who faithfully served as a “companion” for Mom for almost the last 3 years of Louise’s life. Linda was a godsend, as it gave the family peace knowing someone was daily watching over Louise and providing so much love to Louise. Linda’s love, care and compassion towards Louise will likewise never be forgotten. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Byrum Funeral Home, 425 N. Dallas Avenue, Lancaster, Texas 75146. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church Lancaster, 305 E. Third Street, Lancaster, Texas 75146, followed by graveside services at Edgewood Cemetery and a reception at La Calle Dolce on the Town Square in Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, you can make contributions to First Baptist Church Lancaster or a charity of your choosing.

Mary Louise Stokes Bufford

March 29, 1929 - June 8, 2025