Mary Louise Sides, 70, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025.

Louise was born in Iredell County, N.C., on March 9, 1955 to the late Thomas Bruce Johnson and Sarah Louise Johnson. Louise worked for the Mooresville School System as Transportation Director. She was the first woman to be a part of the NAPT and she was a member of the North Carolina Association of Education Office Professionals (NCAOP).

Louise married the love of her life, Joseph Sides, on October 14, 2000. Together, they built a life rooted in love and kindness. Her days were filled with beauty and care—whether in her garden, where she lovingly tended to her flowers, or in her kitchen, where she baked cakes to share with friends and neighbors. She called and talked to friends and the ones she thought were in need every morning and throughout their day to check on them and encourage them and always had treats for the neighborhood dogs. She often sent a text message starting out with the day, Good Morning.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bobby Johnson.

Left to cherish her memory are her believed husband, Joseph; daughter, Tori Dee Cearlock (Brian); grandchildren, Autumn Grace Cearlock and Alex Cearlock; brother, Harry Dean Johnson; nephew, Samuel Dean Johnson; and cousins, Dale Johnson, Mark Johnson, Tony Johnson, Randy Johnson and Joel Johnson.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church in Hamptonville, N.C., with Mr. Dean Floyd officiating with burial to follow at the church cemetery. A visitation will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Nicholson Funeral Home.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.