Mary Louise Bobbitt Brasher

On Feb.15, 2022, after visiting with her beloved family, Mary Louise Bobbitt Brasher, 91, (formerly of Natchez, MS) made her final departure from her current residence Natchitoches Community Care Center. Born to J. C. Bobbitt, Sr, & Lillie Louise Desadier Bobbitt, Sept. 8, 1930, in Woodsboro, Texas, Mary was the firstborn of two siblings; her brother J. C. (Poddie), completed the family two years later. After the family moved to Natchitoches, LA, Mary graduated from Natchitoches High School, & wed the love of her life, Jack Roy Brasher, with whom she had four wonderful children during their 72-yr. marriage. Although her cherished, unique, & interesting experiences could fill a best-seller novel, Mary was a private person who would never brag. When asked, however, she would gladly share her mesmerizing memories with her audiences. Two of her most treasured were her lifelong friendship with famed, folk artist Clementine Hunter, & her caretaking of the wife of renowned actor John Wayne, while he was in Natchitoches, filming “The Horse Soldiers.” Additionally, Mary’s fondness for history, poetry/literature, & antiques revealed a talent for instant & accurate appraisals of objects. She was known as the “guru” of antiquing & junking—which was said to put “Antiques Roadshow” to shame! However remarkable & time-consuming her multitudinous experiences were, Mary’s children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren were first & foremost in her life! Left to honor her marvelous memory are those same infinitely-loved ones: first-born daughter Lydia Ann Brasher & spouse Paul H. Keyser, Jr., of Natchitoches, LA; second daughter, Mar Lou (shortened from “Mary Louise” by Mom) Brasher of Shreveport, LA, & her soul-BFF Randall (Randy) Harris of Plain Dealing, LA; third-born & only son, Cole Brasher & wife Helen of Houston, TX; & youngest daughter, Holly Brasher Sandifer of Natchez, MS; grandchildren: Paul H. Keyser III (Trey) & wife Jackie ; Aaron Kyle & Brandon Cole Sandifer; & Jack Wesley & Mary Ann Brasher; great-grandchildren: AvaGrace, Paul Westin, & Karley Ann Keyser; nieces Sandra Bobbitt Knots, & Terri Bobbitt Kolodzie. Also, lifelong, best friends Frances Hampton Davis of Shreveport, & Sara Methvin of Natchitoches Though words cannot express adequately the profound loss this beautiful (was often compared to actress Elizabeth Taylor in her earlier years), true Southern lady is to her loved ones, Mary Louise will be forever well-remembered & forever in our hearts. She would tell us not to mourn for her, but to remember the good times—as her favorite poem “Remember” by Christina Rossetti dictates: “And afterwards remember, do not grieve: For if the darkness & corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget & smile Than that you should remember & be sad.” Per her wishes, a private family interment will be held at her parents’ cemetery plots at Memory Lawn, Natchitoches, LA. The family greatly appreciates the care, support, & kindness of the Natchitoches Community Care Center staff, who became Mary’s second family. Also, immense gratitude to Dr. Osoka, Dr. Botnik, & NRMC staff/services; both Dr. Bryan Picou, Sr., & Dr. Bryan Picou, Jr.; and Hospice of Natchitoches.