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In Memory Of Our Poets

Louise DeShields (Larson) (1923-2014) - Class Of 1940

Edna Louise DeShields Larson, known by many as Lulu, died peacefully at Waterford Place, on Thursday, February 6, 2014. She was 90 years old, born on October 27, 1923 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Mrs. Larson was preceded in death by her parents, Louise Edith Thornton DeShields and Madison Morgan DeShields (De). She was married to David Laverne Larson, with whom she had three children; David DeShields Larson, Sr., Leah Larson Meacham, and Lisa Larson Gorum.

Louise graduated from Sidney Lanier High School, attended Brenau College, and graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Social Work. She completed graduate studies in social work at Newcomb at Tulane University in New Orleans. Louise spent most of her lifetime giving to her community and serving her peers.

Her career began in social work in 1946 as a caseworker for the Montgomery County Department of Public Welfare. She served as caseworker to Mrs. Jessie Lillybelle Williams and once met the great Hank Williams, Sr. sitting on the front porch of his mother's boarding house on N. Ripley Street. Later in her career, she served as Assistant Director of Montgomery County Department of Pensions and Security. In her retirement, she served as a reader for the Alabama State Legislature.

Many of those who grew up in Montgomery from the 1940's to the 1970's purchased their shoes at DeShields-Larson Shoes, a store started by her father, De DeShields, and later run by her former husband, David Larson.

Louise instilled in her children and grandchildren a passion for community service and she leaves a long legacy of community and volunteer work both to the city of Montgomery and to the State of Alabama. She served as President of the Junior League of Montgomery and on the regional board of the Association of Junior Leagues International; Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church; Girl Scout leader; and PTA Vice-President for Floyd School and Sidney Lanier High School.

She also served on numerous boards, including the Salvation Army, YWCA, Montgomery Community Council, the Mayor's Interracial Committee in the 1950's, and the United Appeal. She has the distinction of being selected to serve as the first lady foreman of the Grand Jury for Montgomery County.

Louise was known for her strong sense of love; love for her Lord, whom she served daily, for her family and friends, the beach and Lake Martin, her Tri-Delta Sorority and love for her adored Alabama Crimson Tide! Most Saturdays in the fall Louise would have been found on a bus heading to the Alabama football game with her family and dear friends, Frank and Sidney McGough and their two sons, Frank and Van.

Louise is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. David Larson and his wife, Sandra Hicks Larson, and his children, David and Allison Larson of Raleigh, NC; Beverley and Rush Shull, of Charlotte, NC, and Louise and Richard Heisler, of Birmingham, AL. Leah Meacham, and her sons, Will and Sally Meacham of Montgomery, Al, and De and Elizabeth Meacham of Opelika, AL. Lisa Larson Gorum and her husband Chuck Gorum, and her children David Jones, Tyler Jones, and Katie and Rafi Guroian, all of Annapolis, MD.

The family will welcome visitors at the church parlor of First Baptist Church, downtown Montgomery, at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2014. A memorial service will directly follow in the original sanctuary of First Baptist at 4:00 pm.

Please no flowers, but a donation may be made in Lulu's memory to First Baptist Church, the American Heart Association , or the American Cancer Society . We would love to see you in your brightest colors to help us celebrate the life and legacy of Louise Larson.

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser from Feb. 7 to Feb. 8, 2014

 

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From the October 10, 1969 issue of the Blue and White:

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02/07/14 04:50 PM #1    

Larry D. Skelton (1961)

I had the opportunity and privilege to work with Louise in the State Department of Human Resources in 1973 and 1974.  She was such a delightful person.  Later in the 1980’s we enjoyed watching little league baseball where my son was playing and her grandson was also playing.  I believe many were blessed by Louise being in their lives.  God rest her soul.


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