Mary Lou Gates Green passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Born in Sylva, NC on October 9, 1935, she was the second of four daughters of Rubye Holland Gates and Oscar “Shug” Gates. She was a 1953 graduate of Canton High School. She also was a graduate of Blanton’s Business College. She was married to the love of her life, Clyde L. “Buddy” Green Jr. for 55 years.

During the early years of their marriage, Mary Lou worked many jobs. She worked at Champion Paper Company, Dayco Corporation and as a secretary for the Home Extension Office in Waynesville. She worked all these jobs while still working part-time at Clyde’s Restaurant for her in-laws, Clyde L. Green, Sr and Neva Green.

Mary Lou and Clyde were owners and operators of Clyde’s Restaurant in Waynesville since the mid 1970’s. Customers came not only from Haywood County but from all over the United States to experience the genuine hospitality, home cooked meals and famous homemade pies. Mary Lou treated everyone like family and made it a natural habit to sit and visit with many customers through the years. She was especially fond of the many children that she embraced as her own and who affectionately called her “Aunt Lou”.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clyde L. “Buddy” Green, her sisters Barbara Jean Hooks and Margaret Ann Stines.

She is survived by one sister, Carolyn Sue Stiles, a brother, Alvin Gates (Rachel) of Sylva and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at Garrett Hillcrest Cemetery on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, at 11:00am with Dr. Reverend Mark Golden officiating.

Memorials may be made to Plains Methodist Church, c/o Joy Garland, 103 Mystic Way, Canton, NC 28716 of which she was a member.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton has been entrusted with her care.