Obituary of Mary Louise McSpirit-Horning

Mary Louise "Mama Duke" McSpirit-Horning, 69, of Gloversville, New York passed away peacefully January 19, 2020 at Nathan Littauer Hospital. She was born on May 14, 1950  in Amsterdam, New York  to Stanley and Florence (James) Henderson. She attended school in Johnstown, and went on to work at Somerset Industries for 30 years.

Later in life, she worked at Lexington ARC as Direct Support Professional for 19 years until her passing. She was a dedicated employee who always went above and beyond for the people she served, who she considered her family and friends.

A devoted matriarch, Mary was always planning family get-togethers, game nights, barbecues, and anything else she could to bring her family together. She loved seeing her racing family, mainly at Fonda Speedway and Glenridge. She was brought to the speedways by her son and husband's racing teams, but was soon adopted by many other racing teams, who all knew her as "Mama Duke".  She also greatly enjoyed going to casinos, especially playing BINGO, until she graduated to the slot machines. Her BINGO habit didn't stop at casinos, as she played at local churches and clubs faithfully.

Mary is survived by her husband, David Horning, her children; Duke (Julie) McSpirit, Brandy (James) Cook, Dixie (Matthew) Burlett, and step-son David (Jeannie) Horning. She is also survived by her sister, Linda (Mike) Morely, brother Edward "Ed" (Tracy) Henderson, and brother-in-laws, Kenny Cameron, Luke Horning, Matthew Horning, James Horning, sister-in-law Gwen Perry, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Florence Henderson, her late husband Duke McSpirit, as well as her siblings, Steve Henderson, Brenda (Sonny) Foster, and Virginia "Ginny" Cameron.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY from 10:00AM-12:00PM. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Walrath & Stewart Funeral home at 12:00PM the same day with Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams officiating. Interment will be held privately at the family's convenience. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.in support of Hunter Strong.