Mary Louise Coleman Transou

Mrs. Mary Louise Coleman Transou, 84, of Tallahasse, FL, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of her soulmate and husband of 63 years, Hal Garwood Transou, Jr. on Monday, January 31, 2022.  Mary Louise was born in Hickory, NC on July 10, 1937, and attended R.J. Reynolds High School, graduating in 1955. Mary was a star on the varsity basketball and speedball teams and was recognized as Most Athletic and Best All Around Student. Mary and Hal were high school sweethearts and began “going steady” soon after they met.  Hal was mesmerized by Mary’s hook shot.  After graduation, Mary attended the Women’s College of Greensboro (now UNC Greensboro) where she graduated with a BA in 1959.  She made a huge impact in social services as one of the first female leaders in county and state social services.  Mary was the Assistant Director in Guilford County and lead as Director of North Carolina Social Services.  Traveling often to provide excellence in services throughout the state, Mary took great pride in helping others and made an impact on the lives of so many.  She was selfless in her service.  Mary and Hal moved to Tallahassee FL in 2005 to be closer to family. Mary welcomed each of her beloved grandchildren with the greatest of joy and endless support. They will always cherish the memories shooting hoops, painting, sharing stories, cheering as the best fan and supporter for all games and dance recitals and visiting around Sunday night family dinners.  Mary left her special touch on everyone she met.  She was Grammy to her adoring grandchildren by whom she will be deeply missed.  She will be remembered as a caring, kind, endearing, selfless, smart, creative friend, leader, sister, daughter, mother, grandmother, and wife.  Mary stood strong by the side of her soulmate Hal for 69 years sharing endless love and devotion, standing by her man through times of celebration, service, and challenge.  Mary’s passion for art allowed her to share her bright light with others creating watercolor and charcoal masterpieces that leave a legacy for many to enjoy for years to come.  Mary cherished her time with friends learning and creating at the Tallahassee Senior Center.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Coleman and Delide Vaughn Coleman and her sister, Delide Vannoy.  She is survived by her loving husband Hal; her two sons, Tripp (Susie) and Scott (Melissa) Transou; her five grandchildren, Tripp (Mikaela), Teddy, Sophie, Scott and Stephanie Transou and her brother Joseph (Diane) Coleman.  A private graveside service will be held in Winston-Salem, NC to honor and celebrate Mary.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Tallahassee Senior Center Foundation, 1400 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303 and the Tallahassee Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., 301 E. Tharpe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303 are much appreciated.