Mary McQueen Creel

Surrounded by the love of her family, Mary Hodges McQueen Creel graciously departed in a burst of radiant light on Thursday, October 11, 2018 in her Metairie home, after fully living 98 glorious years.

Mary, an only child, was born on 9/12/20 in St. Louis, MO. She was a Daughter of the American Revolution and a graduate of Mississippi State College for Women. In her early years, she was raised by her loving maternal grandparents in McGee, MS. where her grandfather was a Methodist Minister, and whose influence profoundly defined her fundamental core values that would be woven into all aspects of her life.

In the mid-50’s, after starting her family, she went back to school to acquire a teaching degree. She began her teaching career at John Clancy Elementary, then had a long chapter at Kenner Jr. High School and ended her career at East Jefferson High School, retiring in 1980. She was known for quietly standing with her tiny frame in front of the chalkboard until the room full of rowdy teenage boys felt her presence and read the words written behind her, “Silence Please” as they respectfully yielded to her command. For many years, her students would stop her in the grocery, at a restaurant or the mall and tell her what an impact she had on their lives.

Mary had an unwavering faith and a life long commitment to the Methodist Church, Mary and her husband, Robert, were founding members of Kenner United Methodist Church. Later, she became a member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church in Metairie, LA.

After retiring she served in a more integral role at St. Matthews Methodist Church, as President of the United Methodist Women, President of the Sunday School Board, Member of the St. Matthew’s Early Learning Center Board of Directors, and the St. Matthews Care Team. Her work in one particular committee reveals the true essence of who Mary genuinely was. This was a private group of congregation members who cared for AIDS patients in the early 80’s with honor, grace, unconditional love and acceptance at a time when society was shunning them.

She had a passion for adventure as she traveled the world with her best friend, Emma. And, they never missed a Mardi Gras Day at the Inter-Continental! Mary had a flare for entertaining, especially at her Bridge Club, where she proudly displayed the unique gifts her beloved husband brought her from his travels as a Merchant Mariner. With exuberance, she created lasting memories when she gathered her family during holidays & special occasions- always serving her famous homemade dinner rolls and signature lemon cake. The most special gift was her unconditional love for every person, making them feel uniquely honored in her eyes & forever in her heart.

To her family and all who had the pleasure of her company, she was simply known as “Mamaw”. She loved to laugh and laughed loudly and often. She loved roses - they grew in her front garden and she always had fresh cut stems simply displayed in her home. She taught Civics and History for many years and enjoyed following politics. She had a deep respect for/and honored her right to vote.

Mary’s Legacy will remain forever etched in the lives of the people she touched so humbly for decades. She was the matriarch of her family, a humble servant to her faith and to the community, a teacher, a friend and above all else, a blessing. Mamaw’s loving contributions to her family and the love they have for her, will be felt for generations to come - for there is only ONE Mamaw.

Mary was preceded by her husband Robert Cecil Creel and her grandson Leon Whatley, III. She is survived by her three children: Nancy C. Normand (Tom), Robert Cecil Creel, II (Karen), Mary Jane Lipps (Tom); seven grandchildren: Mary Beth Battaglia (John), Lee Ann Anderson, Brian C. Lipps (Emily), Coleman R. Lipps (Leslie), Robert Cecil Creel, III (Saman), Casey L. Creel (Huyen), Nina C. Wurz (Matt); eleven great-grandchildren: Jack Battaglia, Mary Catherine Battaglia, Jacob Whatley, Julius Plauche, Natalie Lipps, Anna Lipps, Samar Creel, Kurt Wurz, Elizabeth Lipps, James Lipps and Amber Bertin.

Visitation is on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at St. Mathews United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. Metairie, LA 70003 from 9am-11am, followed by a Celebration of Life Service. Burial will immediately follow at Garden of Memories.

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