Mary Lou Hernaiz of Marietta, OK, was born on December 13, 1946, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Floyd Gwin and Mary Mae Smith. She passed from this life at her home in Marietta on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Mary married the love of her life, Sammy Joe Hernaiz, on January 11, 1965, in Gainesville, TX. He preceded her in death on June 13, 1990. Mary moved to Marietta in 1990 from Davis, OK, and made Marietta her home for the remainder of her life.

Mary was an active woman who enjoyed working in her garden and taking care of her yard. She also loved to read, especially the works of Stephen King, and enjoyed watching movies based on his books. Country music was another favorite of hers. Her family fondly remembers that when the country music was playing, they knew it was probably Saturday—and that meant it was time to get the housework done.

More than anything, Mary loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured spending time with them, doing things together, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and helped raise many of them, always making sure they knew they were loved.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd Gwin and James and Mary Mae Cole; her husband, Sammy Joe Hernaiz; daughters, Mary Huff and Linda Franks; brother, James Cole; and sisters, Shirley Cole, Carolyn Hooper, Barbara McKee, and Ellie Williams.

Those left to carry on Mary's legacy include her son, Sammy Hernaiz, Jr. and wife Kerry of Marietta; daughter, Tammy Hernaiz of Marietta; grandchildren, Ace Hernaiz, Santania Frazier, Chelsea Melton, Maggie Wilson, Beth Franks, and Dusty Huff; great-grandchildren, Zyler, Jaden, Hunter, Lola, Liv, Onyx, and Emory; brother, David Cole of Oklahoma City, OK; sisters, Sherry Williams of Ardmore, OK, Dottie Gwin of Marietta, and Brenda Segler and husband Mark of Waxahachie, TX; brothers-in-law, Chuck Williams of Dickson, OK, and D.W. Williams of Oklahoma City; sister-in-law, Sue Baccus of Marietta; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home Chapel with Brett Alberda officiating. Interment will follow at Leon Cemetery. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14th, at Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home and Cremation Services.