Mary Lou Veirs

Mary Lou Veirs, 86, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at the La Plata Nursing Home in La Plata, Missouri on Monday, October 18, 2021, after a brief illness.

Mary Lou (Perry) Veirs was born in Fayette, Missouri, on January 12, 1935, the daughter of Artie Lawson and Grayce Mabel (Williams) Perry who preceded her in death.  She spent her childhood in Fayette and went to school at Fayette High School graduating from Central Methodist University in Fayette in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree of Science and Education.  It was there she met Donald Wayne Veirs, and the couple was married in Springfield, MO, on December 4th, 1955. The couple opened a record store later that year, while Don helped his father with the local fur business.

They relocated to Unionville in 1961 moving to a farm east of Unionville. Donald had a herd of dairy cattle and Mary Lou began a long career in education, first as a 1 ^st grade teacher at West Putnam R-3 School district while completing her college degree. A while later they moved to Unionville, where she taught 1st Grade at Unionville Elementary.  She also taught 2 ^nd grade art as well. Being an accomplished artist, she also taught various art classes in her home.

Mary Lou earned her master’s degree in speech pathology and began teaching in several schools on a circuit in southern Iowa and northern Missouri. She retired after many years in education. Many people stated she changed their life by correcting their speech impediments and were very grateful to her.

Mary Lou was extremely active in the community of Unionville where she belonged to the Business Professional Women’s Club and Parent Teacher’s Association.  She loved the BPW Jamboree and always managed to add something special to it. Anyone who remembers her rendition of Tiny Tim’s “Tip-Toe Through The Tulips” while strumming a ukulele would certainly attest to that.

Later, she served as Mayor of Unionville for two terms, making numerous changes to the city. Doug Gilworth stated, “She was the best Mayor Unionville ever had.” She took the position seriously and did her best to make sure that the city came first.

Mary Lou was active in the Unionville bowling league and loved to play bingo, taking her grand-daughters as many as 4 times-per-week. She was certainly obsessed with the camaraderie that went along with traveling with friends to the various bingo locations.  She was also an accomplished Piano player and avid gardener.

Mary Lou is survived by two sons, Daniel (Sara) Veirs of Franklin, TN, and Mark Veirs of Unionville, MO.  Her five grandchildren are Jordan Veirs, Ethan Veirs, Sarah Elisabeth (fiancé Chadwick Smith) Veirs, Katie Veirs-Harmon, and Brandon Veirs. Her great grandson is Kanden Harmon.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents and husband Don. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Maynard and Marvin Perry, and a sister Martha Richtmyre.

Funeral services for Mary Lou will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home at 2:30 Saturday, October 23, 2021, with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.