Mary Lou McQuail Memorial Service
3/20/2023
Mary Lou McQuail
Mary Lou Rollings McQuail, passed away and began her eternal life on February 22, 2023. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William Edward McQuail; her sister, Janet Rollings Thomas; her brother, Harry West Rollings III; and her best friend, Laurice Murphey. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah McQuail Goodnight (William); son, Stephen Eugene Clendenin McQuail (Sherry); and grandchildren, Bryce Goodnight, Caroline Goodnight, Katelyn McQuail and William McQuail II. She is also survived by her granddogs, Gabby, Folly and June.
Mary Lou was born on March 4, 1936, in Wardensville, West Virginia to Dr. Harry West Rollings Jr. and Lillian Yeakle Rollings. She was delivered at home by her father, who barely made it home in time to deliver her. Dr. Rollings neglected to register her birth with the state for several years which would lead to some headaches with the Social Security Administration. In her usual organized manner, Mary Lou set the record straight and received her benefits.
Mary Lou moved to Stephens City, Virginia with her mother early in her life. As a young girl living in the rural Shenandoah Valley, Mary Lou played sports with the boys and spent a lot of time at the church, located just down the street from her home. Summers were spent visiting her father in Richmond and going to Virginia Beach with her extended family. Mary Lou graduated from James Wood High School in Winchester in 1954 and moved to Richmond to attend business school. Mary Lou spent most of her secretarial career working with the Honorable Paul Williams at the United States Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Virginia.
Mary Lou accomplished a renowned feat during the late 1960s. She was successfully able to domesticate William Edward McQuail. Mary Lou and Bill met on a blind date. They married on July 13, 1968 and moved into their home in the West End where they resided their entire 52 years of marriage. The McQuails became a fixture of the neighborhood always willing to help or provide a cocktail to those in need. Mary Lou and Bill loved to entertain and threw some righteous parties. Ever the caregiver, Mary Lou fed EVERYONE with her fine southern meals. They started their family in 1970 and Mary Lou was blessed to be able to stay at home to raise her children. She spent 25 years as room mother, field trip chaperone, kid taxi driver, Boy Scout patch seamstress, dance costume seamstress, Sunday School teacher and all the other roles that made her children's lives close to perfect.
Mary Lou was a member of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church. She served on the vestry, decades on the altar guild and volunteered for almost any opportunity to help the church. Mary Lou was known for picking up elderly congregation members so that they could attend services on Sunday. She also served on the board of directors at Avalon Recreation Association as membership director. She was an avid tennis player who played in multiple leagues throughout Richmond. She and Bill traveled the world once their children were grown and off their payroll.
Mary Lou was most proud of her grandchildren and she was delighted that they felt that their house was a second home. Her family was always welcome no matter the time of day and she was only a phone call away for them in times of need. "Nana" would make road trips at a moments notice to help take care of her grandchildren. She was an extraordinary caregiver, taking care of her mother and later for her husband.
The McQuails and The Goodnights would like to thank our "framily" for their love, support and generosity towards Mary Lou and the entire family, especially during the final two years of her life. No words can adequately describe the compassion and friendship that helped sustain Mary Lou after Bill's death. They would also like to thank the staff at Covenant Woods for providing her with loving care.
Mary Lou so appreciated all of you.
A funeral service will be held on March 25, 2023, at 1 p.m. at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 10627 Patterson Avenue, Henrico, Va. 23238. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 29626, Richmond, Va. 23242.
