Mary Lou (Perkins) Tapley, age 96 of Groesbeck, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She resided at Mont Belvieu Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Mont Belvieu, Texas. She was known to many as Nanny, Mary Lou or Sis. Tapley.

Mary Lou was born on November 5th, 1929, in Athens, Texas. She married the love of her life J.R. on August 9th, 1947, and they were married 70 years. They raised 3 children and 2 grandchildren together. She was a homemaker who lived a beautiful full life filled with so many cherished memories. She was a devoted Christian whose faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and shared that love through the way she cared for and encouraged those around her.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart, and some of her happiest moments were spent gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories, laughter, and a home-cooked meal. She had a gift for making ordinary things special. She loved sewing, quilting and collecting dolls. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and her famous pecan pies were a family favorite. Her recipes, quilts and some of her belongings will be gentle reminders of her for years to come. But perhaps her greatest gift was the love she gave so freely. She made her home a place where family felt welcome, where there was always something good to eat and always made time for those who stopped by for a visit.

She leaves behind a family that will miss her more than words can express, but will carry her love, faith, traditions, and her memory in their hearts. There is comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and has been reunited with her beloved husband J.R. and the rest of her family.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Ray "J.R." Tapley; son, Michael Dale Tapley; parents, Lem Lafayette Perkins and Mary Essie Hood Perkins; brothers, Travis Perkins, Treman Perkins; her sisters, Odie Vee Hickman and Veltus Jeannette Perkins; grandson, Michael Ray Tapley. 

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Walter “Ray” and Sheila Tapley of Beach City; her daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Dwayne Pusley of Caldwell; sister, Evelyn Dubberly; five grandchildren and their spouses: Leslie and Eric Thomas, Tabitha and Eric Wallheimer, Tiffanie Vaughan, Stephanie Hardin, and Ryan Peña; ten great grandchildren: Jaden and Jax Thomas, Evan Spivey and Easton and Eden Wallheimer, Jordyn Bailey, Gavin and Elin Vaughan, Chandler Copley, and Avery Good; and three great-great grandchildren: Everett Copley, Millie Lou Copley, Brently Jean Good, and Evelyn Grace Spivey.