Mary Lou (James) Lehman

Mary Lou (James) Lehman, 84, suddenly but peacefully passed away December 31, 2023 near her home in Louisville, KY. Mary Lou was born on August 21, 1939 in Montrose, Mississippi. She was an RN graduate from St. Dominic’s Nursing School in Jackson, MS - the same town where she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Lehman who passed in October 2021. Mary and Dick were married in 1962, moved to Circleville, Ohio to start a family, then later moved to Louisville where they spent the majority of their lives together. Through many different cities, Mary sustained an admirable nursing career focused in women’s health. Mary was a thoughtful and intentional caretaker, but was also cared for - as a three-time recurrent breast cancer survivor. After retiring as an RN, she discovered a newfound way to give back to other breast cancer survivors - counseling and altering custom clothing items at the mastectomy boutique shop, Special Lady. Beyond being a super mom to two and grandma of three, Mary Lou was always involved in her community. She was a dedicated member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, participating in multiple small groups while also singing in the choir and playing handbells every Sunday. She later joined Christ Church United Methodist where she also sang in the choir before dementia took a toll on her health. Even when she wasn’t musically offering at her Church, she enjoyed listening to her musical family play a tune. Mary worked hard, but always enjoyed a good time. She was a longtime member of the Kosair Shrine Ladies Oriental Club organizing benefits and other events, and later joined Louisville’s chapter of the Red Hat Society Social Club. Above organized events, Mary and Dick often hosted and attended dinner parties with friends and family, and traveled the world creating their own. A successful nurse, active homemaker, engaged community member, ongoing reader and traveler… Mary was an intentionally thoughtful woman who shared her kindness with all, and left a legacy to many. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard “Dick” K. Lehman, parents Bernice L. James and Cora E. James, and siblings Martha Burggraff, Frank James, and John James. Survived by her daughter, Susan E. Kinman (William A. Kinman III); son, James R. Lehman; grandchildren Lili Kinman Peters (Kyle E. Peters), William A. Kinman IV (Sedatia J. Kinman), Kathryn A. Kinman; and sister, Virginia Fann. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 12pm-7pm at Owen Funeral Home-Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Rd. Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 at 12pm at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Rd. Mary will be buried at Cave Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friend for Life at www.friend4life.org/donate/ or sent to 4003 Kresge Way, Suite 100, Lou., KY, 40207.

Mary Lou (James) Lehman

August 21, 1939 - December 31, 2023