Mary Wilks Pou

September 2, 1924 - November 8, 2021

Saluda, SC Mary Pou Mary W. Pou, 97, of Saluda went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, November 8, 2021. "Miss Mary," widow of James W. Pou, was the daughter of the late John Wesley Wilks and Florence Brown Wilks and Mary Evelyn Hartin Wilks. A 1941 graduate of Dreher High School, Mary attended the University of South Carolina for 2 years where she took business classes. She worked in the business office at the University of South Carolina and then went on to work for Jeff Hunt Machinery. Mary attended First Baptist Church in Columbia, where she was baptized, and later met James, the love of her life. They were married on February 21, 1952 in the original sanctuary. Mary and James welcomed 4 children into their lives. Mary Louise Burriss (Bill), James Wilks Pou, John Philip Pou (Candy), and William Herbert Pou. Known as "Pama" and Papa" to their grands, their 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren were their pride and joy. Mary was a woman filled with strong faith in the Lord. She was a charter member of Saluda Baptist Church, where she was a part of the adult choir. She was involved in a variety of church ministries over the years, including the WMU where she taught Sunbeams and Mission Friends, teaching Sunday School to 3rd and 4th graders, as well as helping with the children's choir for a time. Mary was an active part of several committees for many years and was a member of the "Cheerful Helpers" Sunday School class. She loved being a part of her church family. Although she said, "I only wanted to be a mama," Mary worked diligently as a bookkeeper for Saluda County Stockyard for over 40 years. She loved her "girls" and all the friends she met during her time there. Mary was a caregiver by nature. When her husband, James, was hurt in a farm accident, she spent her days loving and caring for him the same way she had cared for her mother and her aunt years earlier. Mary has a servant's heart, full of love and compassion, much like Mary in the Bible. Caring for her loved ones brought her great joy. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Mary Louise Burriss (Bill), and her sons, James Wilks Pou and John Philip Pou (Candy). She also leaves 11 dearly loved grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her husband, her brother, John W. (Jack) Wilks, and her son, Will. While our hearts are missing her here with us, we rejoice in her heavenly healing and happy reunion with those who passed before her. We look forward to the day that we join her at the feet of Jesus. To honor her great love for our Lord and her lifelong support of missions, the family requests that memorials be made to the Lottie Moon International Mission offering at Saluda Baptist Church or the mission offering of your choice. Memorials may also be made to the American Cancer Society or Saluda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Many thanks to Dr. Ralph Riley and Staff and Saluda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, especially our friends on Wise Wing. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at Saluda Baptist Church. The family will greet friends at 10 am and the service will be at 11 am, with Rev. Jeff McCartney, Rev. Van Pigate, and Rev. Mildred Walker conducting the service. Burial will follow at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.