On November 26, 2023, the veil between earth and heaven parted and Mary Lou Massengill passed away peacefully with her youngest daughter by her side. Mary Lou (Mama Lou) was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on November 5th, 1933 to Ralph and Virginia Tucker.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas Howard Massengill. Mary Lou and Tommy were childhood sweethearts and had dated since the 5th grade. Mary Lou remembered dates of going down Boone Way Hill sledding and Tommy borrowing two mules to ride up to have a picnic at Fern Lake. They were married on October 29, 1951 .
She is survived by her children: Teresa Anne Jungkurth (Randy), Tina Lynn Mike (David), and Traci Virginia Barnett (Kevin). After a short stint at downtown merchants, Mary Lou chose to stay home and provide the most idyllic childhood that she possibly could with her children, from homemade costumes and every pet from alligators to a pony they once walked through the house, she allowed them to explore and learn about the world around them. The thing that gave her the most joy was sharing the love of Jesus with her children and her happiest moment was when they gave their lives to Jesus.
Mama Lou was preceded in death by her loving granddaughter, Lindsy Nicole Jungkurth and is survived by her grandchildren: Blaine David Mike (Nicole), Melinda Brooke Gutwein (Jonathan), Thomas Josiah Mike (Gabrielle), Kevin Blake Barnett (Destiny), Derek Marson Barnett (Kaylan), Jonathan Isaiah Mike, and “adopted” grandchildren: Jimmy Montgomery and Matt Helms. Her grandchildren were always there to help her with any task she needed done, from fixing toilets to navigating the World Wide Web. Her Jeopardy crew will certainly miss their nightly games as “Moo” commented that they didn’t even look like they were paying attention but shouted out correct answers. She was always game to play along with their pranks and was even had a cameo in their latest Halloween movie. Her dog pack will also miss their daily treats at the back door, as she always had their treat jar ready.
Mama Lou is survived by her great-grandchildren: Charli Gutwein, Abram Gutwein, Meredith Mike, Grayson Mike, Cora Gutwein, Callum Gutwein, and Allyson Mike. She loved her great grandchildren with all her heart and thought they were the brightest and cutest.
She is also survived by her sister, Clara JoAnn Ginther; her special sister-in-law and partner in crime, Joy Massengill; her childhood friend, Bette Emmett and church friend, Mildred Alexander.
Her children are most proud of their mom’s work with special needs children and adults. Before special needs children had a place in the school system, she and her friend, Doe Jenkins began a teaching center for children with special needs where their own children also attended and ` learned love and acceptance of others. To follow up on this venture, her and her friend, Naomi Marcum began a special needs Sunday School class (God’s Angels) at First Baptist Church in Middlesboro which has been in existence for over forty years.
The Queen of the Maxwelton was loved by all her neighbors, known to all as Mama Lou. She was the shower giver and wedding reception provider to many young ladies in town along with her group of Golden Girls from church. She prepared Sunday dinner for a group of 18 to 20 every Sunday, was an avid reader, bird watcher, and tender of flowers. She was accepting and progressive in her thinking and often said that if people thought the “Good Ole Days” were so great, they must not have lived in them. In her last week we gathered and sang a song from the God’s Angels class “Glory Glory Hallelujah” and she told us not to be sad for her.
A special thank you to the ER, 1st floor, and ICU employees at Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Hospital where she stated that “she missed those girls”, and the employees at Middlesboro Nursing and Rehabilitation. Both facilities showed nothing but patience, compassion, and excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Cooperative Christian Ministry, P O Box 721, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965
Funeral service will be 7 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Zach Bay and Rev. Dr. Kristy Bay officiating. Music will be provided by Rev. Dr. Kristy Bay. Pallbearers will be Blaine Mike, Tommy Joe Mike, Blake Barnett, Derek Barnett, Jonathan Mike, Jon Gutwein and Jimmy Montgomery. Graveside service will be private. The Family will receive friends 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Shumate Funeral Home Chapel.
Shumate Funeral Home is honored to serve the Family of Mary Lou Massengill and is entrusted with all arrangements.
