Mary Louise West Burt, lovingly known as “Mary Lou” to many and “Aunt Sissy” or “Big Sissy” to her family, departed this earthly life on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis, following a brief illness.
Funeral services honoring Mary Lou’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Doc Shelton officiating. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service. Following the chapel service, a brief graveside service will be held in Bluff Springs Church Cemetery.
Born March 1, 1952, in Belvoir, Virginia, Mary Lou was the daughter of the late William West, Jr. and Mary Hazel Grady West. She began her education at Ripley High School and later graduated from Coffeeville High School, near Batesville. A woman defined by hard work and true devotion, Mary Lou was employed with BellSouth for twenty years before its closing. Following that chapter of her life, she entered the nursing profession, a career that suited her caring and compassionate nature well. Throughout her years as a nurse, Mary Lou earned the trust and affection of those she cared for and worked alongside. Her nursing career included service at Ashland Health and Rehabilitation, Diversicare in Ripley, Trinity Nursing Home in Holly Springs, and a nursing facility in Corinth.
A Christian and Southern Baptist, Mary Lou was about as genuine as they came. She enjoyed the simple things in life, whether playing games on the computer, getting lost in a good book, traveling with her sister, or simply sitting back and watching the chickens scratch around the yard. But Mary Lou also believed there was nothing wrong with spoiling yourself every now and then—or, in her case, often and always.
She loved shopping, buying new clothes, and finding those little things that made her feel good. Every week, she and her sister, Lauralee, would load up and head out for their regular adventures. Manicures and pedicures were often on the agenda, getting their hair fixed was always important, and, of course, there was shopping. And if it has not been mentioned enough already, Mary Lou really loved to shop. She enjoyed spending money and never minded splurging a little, especially when it meant enjoying life and making herself or someone she loved happy.
Yet, the only thing Mary Lou loved more than spending money was spending time with her family. She shared a close bond with her siblings and an especially close relationship with her sister, Lauralee, with whom she made her home. To her nieces and nephews, Mary Lou was much more than an aunt—she was like a second mother and, without question, the fun aunt. She never shied away from spoiling them, always seemed to have the right advice to give, and could be counted on whenever they needed her. Her love was generous, her presence was comforting, and her family always knew exactly where they stood with Aunt Sissy: deeply loved.
That was simply who Mary Lou was—friendly, loving, caring, compassionate, and generous. She loved her family wholeheartedly, enjoyed life on her own terms, and never needed much of an excuse to treat herself or someone she loved.
While her presence will forever be missed, her memory will never fade. In the days ahead, when those who loved her most watch the chickens scratching around the yard, plan a day to spoil themselves, head out to get their hair or nails done, or decide to splurge just a little more than they probably should, Mary Lou’s memory will come alive. And in those moments, perhaps instead of tears, there will be a smile—just the kind she always knew how to bring.
Those left to cherish Mary Lou’s memory include her sister, Lauralee West; two brothers, William West III (Deborah) and David West (Sandy); her special nieces and nephews, including Amanda Alberson (Michael), Rachel West, Christopher West, Michelle West, and Shaun West, who loved her greatly; her great-nieces and great-nephews; her faithful furry companions, Jennie and Louie; and many friends and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her brother, Mark Stephen West.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Shaun West, Michael Alberson, Jayce Alberson, James Alberson, Brandon Alberson, and Johnathan Alberson. Honorary Pallbearer will be Christopher West.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mary Lou’s family.
