Mary Lou Tate Curenton, 85, loving mother and grandmother, entered her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 12th.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Curenton Christiansen (Bob), Villa Rica, GA; five grandchildren: April Christiansen Rich (Justin), Villa Rica, GA; Adam Christiansen (Hannah), Vail, CO; Angelica Christiansen Gagliardi (Joey), Carrollton, GA; Blake Tillery (Casey), Headland; Whitney Brooke Tillery, Dothan; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Mrs. Curenton is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Curenton; a daughter, Debbie Curenton Bass; her parents, C.S. (Jack) and Bessie Tate; brothers, C.S. Tate, Jr. and John Tate; and a sister, Betty Tate Temples.

Mrs. Curenton was a lifetime resident of Ashford. In 1958, she graduated from Ashford High School and met her husband at The Sweet Shop. In 1972, she began her career at Alfa Insurance, then known as Farm Bureau, until she retired in 2003. She loved to travel and some of her favorite destinations included Florida’s beaches, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Branson, MO. She particularly loved her helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon, going to Atlanta Braves games, and cruising in the Bahamas. She had a lot of fun and enjoyed notoriety as ’Memaw’ on TV’s “Family Feud”.

She loved spending time with family and friends, especially at Christmas, her favorite holiday and when she made her famous cornbread dressing. For several years, many of her happiest, was when she worked alongside her husband on the farm, tending their garden and caring for the cows.

The celebration of Mrs. Curenton’s life will begin with visitation at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 17th, at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home, 2414 Hartford Highway in Dothan. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. with the burial ceremony afterward at Gardens of Memory in Dothan.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Stephen Holliman, Christian Rich, Maddox Tillery, and Brayden Tillery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Roger Cureton and David Cureton.