Mary Louise Slawson

Mary Louise (Davison) Slawson went to her eternal resting home on April 1, 2025. She was the daughter of Walter Sears Davison and Mary Christina (Umbarger) Davison. 

Mary's education began at Prairie View School in Millard and she graduated from Kirksville High School. She later attended Drake University in Des Moines for two years studying accounting. 

She later married Lester Gerald (Jerry) Slawson January 19, 1980. He precedes her in death. Also preceding Mary in death were her sisters Faye (Elmer) Perry, Margeret (Chris) Christianson, Rosalee (Carl) Coy and brothers Tom (Velda) Davison, Walter Sears Davison, Jr and her mother and father. 

Mary Lou spent her high school years working in her sister Marg's beauty shop and later attended beauty school in Moberly. She and a friend of hers went to Laclede, MO to open a beauty shop but discovered it wasn't as busy as they'd like. Mary ended up working in the chicken factory and later in the local cafe owned by Cisna's. Mary spent time in Wichita, Ks and later Colorado Springs, CO where she went to work for Preferred Risk Life Insurance Company. When the company moved its office to Des Moines, IA Mary followed and retired after 25 years. After retirement, she moved back to Kirksville and worked for Manor Care, Mamselle's clothing, LLoyd distributing and volunteered at Adair County Historical Museum. 

Mary's life was family, work, and dancing. She LOVED to dance! Although she had no children of her own, she had many nieces and nephews that she spent time as a substitute mother to. She taught them to dance when they were young. While in Des Moines her and a group of lady friends traveled around the state dancing to the big band's sound. After her retirement, her nephew Carlos was her designated driver to take her and friends around the area to dances and also enjoyed being her dance partner. Mary was so much a part of all events that went on with the family.

Mary was a member of the LaPlata United Methodist Church and the UMW while it was active. She enjoyed going to Camp JO-OTA for the annual meetings. 

A celebration of life will be held at the LaPlata United Methodist Church on April 12 at 10am. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or LaPlata United Methodist Church.