Mary Battista Wilton Barrow, 96, passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022.

Mary was born on November 7, 1925, in Reserve, LA, which is the home of the well-known Godchaux Sugar Plantation. She attended Louisiana State College for two years, studying business administration. Mary then attended Louisiana State University where she graduated in 1947.

That summer, while visiting her grandmother in Pensacola, FL, Mary met a handsome Naval Academy graduate, Lt. William Barrow. After weeks of courting, he proposed marriage. She then began a lively and exciting life as a naval officer's wife, relocating from base to base with her husband and two children, Janice and Billy. One of her most interesting tours was in Southeast Asia while Capt. Barrow was in Saigon.

Mary had the opportunity to play golf in Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, and the Philippines. During one of Bill's Mediterranean tours on the USS Forrestal, she played in Lebanon, France, and Italy. She also played on many courses in the United States on the East and West Coasts. She had the honor of being invited to play as a team member for the prestigious Corazan family, one of whose daughters later became President of the Philippines.

Mary began her golfing life soon after marrying Bill. During those years, she won over fifty tournaments on the many courses that she was fortunate enough to play. One of Mary's major accomplishments was winning the Military Dependents' Tournament at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC, in 1965.

Capt. Barrow's final tour was at NAS Pensacola. Since Bill and Mary desired to be near Pensacola Country Club (PCC), Mary designed their home only blocks away on Seamarge Circle. They then became lifelong members of the club. Mary belonged to the PCC Ladies Golf Association, winning club championships fifteen times. She also belonged to NAS Pensacola AC Reed Golf Course, winning their club championship ten times. Among other winnings were the city and city senior championships, both several times. Obviously, she loved golf!

Besides being an avid golfer, Mary was a loving and generous person who cared more for others than herself. Her positive outlook on life was an inspiration to her family and friends who were blessed to have known and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, W. Ogden Wilton and Lilah Cafiero Wilton; her husband, Capt. William "Bill" Ballard Barrow, Jr.; as well as her sister, Carolyn Whitmore.

Survivors include her two children, Janice W. Barrow and William B. Barrow, III.

Memorial Mass will be held 11:00am Friday, August 12, 2022, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, with Fr. Nicholas Schumm celebrant. Reception will follow at the Pensacola Country Club. Private Interment was at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.