Mary Lou McLaughlin, age 81, formerly of Unicoi, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016, in the Center on Aging & Health, Erwin. She was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a daughter of the late Willie D. and Mamie Blankenship Shelton. Mrs. McLaughlin was a member of the Higgins Chapel Baptist Church. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Floyd Hopson and her husband, Henry McLaughlin; one son, Clifford Shelton; a nephew, Randall Wheeler; three brothers, Lewis, Kirby and Ralph Shelton; sisters: Marie Bailey, Dorothy Wilson, Gertha Wheeler, Lillian Higgins, Barbara English and two infant sisters. Mrs. McLaughlin leaves behind to cherish her memories, two daughters, Daisy Smith, Nellie Arrowood and husband, Steve, all of Erwin; two grandsons, Randy Hayes and wife, Nona of Colorado and Sonny Smith of Erwin; one granddaughter, Marlena Williams of Erwin; four great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel from 12:30 P. M. to 1:30 P. M. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 P. M. in the Higgins Chapel Cemetery, Flag Pond. Reverend Jerry Keasling will officiate. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the McLaughlin family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the McLaughlin family. (423) 743-1380.