Mary Lou Collins Holbert, age 89, of Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. She was born on February 2, 1937, in Waleska, Georgia.

Mary Lou graduated from Canton High School in 1955 and continued her education at Georgia State College for Women, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She later received a graduate degree from Atlanta University. With a passion for education, Mary Lou devoted more than 30 years to teaching elementary school in several schools in DeKalb County.

Mary Lou was a devoted member of Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, where she faithfully served for many years. She sang in the church choir and played the piano for her Sunday School class. She also worked in the church’s Mother’s Day out program.

Above all, Mary Lou will be remembered for her generous spirit. It was not unusual for her to bake and share a cake, simply to brighten someone’s day or let them know they were loved.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Lamar Holbert; her parents, Tom and Willie Collins; her twin sister, Sarah Sue Collins Cleghorn; her sister, Patricia Collins Hunt; and one nephew. She is survived by eight nieces and nephews, twelve great-nieces and great-nephews, and nine great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

A graveside service celebrating Mary Lou’s life will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Goshen Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Reverend James E. Hunt, Jr., presiding.