Mary Lou Hixson, 86, a ten year resident of Anne Arundel County died of renal failure on January 9, 2014 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis after a five month illness.

Mary Lou was born to her parents, Adam and Lulu West on July 29, 1927 in Cameron, IL. She attended nursing school at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, IL and later moved to New Carrollton, MD in 1961. She was an artist with a passion for painting, mostly water colors and pastels, and was a member of the Prince George's Artist's Association. Mary Lou loved fishing and crabbing in Chincoteague, VA with her husband and family. In addition, she enjoyed country music, especially music by Alan Jackson. She cherished her time with her family, friends, and her dog, A.J.

Mrs. Hixson is survived by her son, John Hixson of Vero Beach, FL; her daughters, Sarah Hixson of Annapolis, Jeanne Ann Dittmer (Walter) of Slippery Rock, PA and Amy Kuhn (Victor) of Chesapeake Beach, MD; and her grandchildren, Jill Dittmer, Lisa Dittmer, Christopher Kuhn and Nicholas Kuhn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene Earl Hixson; her sister, Shirley Mae Johnson; and her brother, Robert E. West.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Barranco & Son, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy. in Severna Park. Mary Lou loved the color red. Please feel free to wear red to the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation, 2001 Medical Parkway, Sajak #550, Annapolis, MD 21401. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com