Mary Lou Lentz, 91, of Salisbury, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Born on January 26, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Paul Lentz and Mary Ethel Troutman Lentz. Mary Lou was exceptionally intelligent and graduated as valedictorian of Cool Springs High School. She attended Lenoir-Rhyne and Georgia State University, earning a master’s degree. A dedicated educator, she spent most of her professional career in Atlanta.

Faith and music were meaningful parts of Mary Lou’s life. She grew up in St. Paul’s Church in Statesville, where her mother served as organist. Her church journey later included Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta and St. John’s in Salisbury. She shared her love of music by playing handbells and singing in the choir.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by an infant sister.

Those left to cherish her memory include her cousins, James and Marian Rollans, Sam Parker, Joe Parker, Jane Parker Kiker, Margaret Murdock (Jim), and Elaine Hewitt; and her second cousin, Scott Lentz.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel, 135 E. Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677, with Reverend Joe Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville.