Mary Lou Hallford, 94, of Beaumont, TX, passed away April 13, 2016.  She was born January 22, 1922, in Arcola, TX to the late John Woody Sears and Gertrude Ray Burrows Sears.

She is survived by daughters, Kathleen Gore of Burleson, TX, Susan Pierson and husband, Alfred of Fannett, TX; son, Fredrick Avery and wife, Susie of Groves, TX; stepdaughter, Patricia Emmett and husband, Jack of Missouri; stepson, James Avery and wife Anne of Port Neches, TX; 33 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Woodham of Glenmore, LA.   Including her parents, Mary Lou is preceded in death by two husbands, John Avery, Sr. and Byrd Hallford; son, Michael Avery; sister Irene Causey, stepdaughters, Joyce Ann Avery and Mary Claire Edwards; stepsons, John Avery, Jr. and Thomas Avery.

A gathering of family friends will be Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, TX.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Rick Erwin officiating.  Interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Proctor Baptist Church ~ 4401 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. ~ Port Arthur, TX 77642, in Mary Lou’s honor.

Details and registry available at Melancons.org