Mary Louise (Searcy) Vassar

Mary Louise Searcy Vassar, was born April 30, 1931, in Lafayette County, Mississippi to Zettye B. and Lorenzo Searcy, Sr.  She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Burns United Methodist Church, which later became Oxford First United Methodist Church.  

In August, 1955, Louise married Earvie Lee Vassar and to this union, four children were born: Deborah, Zettye, Patricia, and Earvie Jr. She was affectionately known as Big-Ma to her children, grandchildren, their children and their friends, and was a mother to all. She was beautiful inside and out and had a sense of humor that brought a smile to your face and a chuckle to your stomach. 

Louise loved fishing and tending to her beautiful garden of different plants and rose bushes as well as cooking for her family. She had a passion for working with people. During her career, she touched many lives and was loved by even more. She was loyal to the many families whom she touched while she managed their homes. Aaron and Lurlean Condon were clients of Louise for over 50 years and they became close friends over the decades. When Louise was working with a family, she didn't simply provide a service to her clients, she joined the family and provided vital support to their family’s structure. Throughout her career Louise was also employed with James Food Center, Candid Cameras, and Cato's Clothing Store on Oxford’s Square.

Louise has been an exemplary and beloved Matriarch of the family for generations. On Sunday, December 10, 2023, Big Ma, (Louise), gently closed her eyes and made a peaceful transition to be with the Lord. Left to cherish her loving memory are  her children: Deborah Vassar Archie-Marion (Tommy Marion) of Oxford MS, Zettye Vassar of Atlanta GA, Patricia L. Vassar of Oxford MS and Earvie Vassar Jr. of Inglewood CA: seven grandchildren: Savia Archie of Memphis, TN; Danotra Archie-Marion (Christopher), Trevino Vassar (Wannetka) of Birmingham AL, Jeffrey L. Archie II of Beverly Hills, CA, Jareba Vassar-Henderson (Jason) of Oxford, MS, Adria’ona Vassar of Atlanta, GA and Tomonique Marion of Portugal and 15 great grandchildren: two brothers Lorenzo (Mary) Searcy Taylor, MS, and Keith (Norma) Searcy Oxford, MS: a goddaughter, Vanessa Allen, and additionally, she leaves in love, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents: Lorenzo and Zettye Searcy; her beloved older sister, Patricia Searcy-Thomas; her first-born grandchild, Lorenzen Wright Sr;  a great-granddaughter, Sierra Simone Wright, and her nephew, Lorenzo Searcy III.

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son (John 5:11)