Parents: Clara Callahan Horne and William Horne

AILOR, Louise Horne, 96, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2015 at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian, Va. Louise was born in Fayetteville, N.C. on August 4, 1918 to Clara Callahan Horne and William Horne. She spent her early years in Fayetteville, Wilson and Raleigh, N.C. and attended Meredith College, also in Raleigh. In 1942, Louise married William H. "Billy" Ailor Jr. of Tampa, Fla. Billy was a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, and Louise accompanied him on his numerous military assignments throughout the Eastern U.S. In 1953, the couple moved to Richmond with their three sons, William H. Ailor III, James R. Ailor and David C. Ailor. Billy was a Research Engineer with Reynolds Metals Company in Richmond and was on the faculty as Associate Professor of Math at Virginia Commonwealth University. Shortly after arriving in Richmond, they joined Reveille United Methodist Church, where Louise would remain an active member throughout her lifetime. In addition to singing in the chancel choir for 56 years, she also served as the choir president, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school class president and circle chairwoman. In 1966, Louise began her real estate career in Richmond and went on to establish her own real estate brokerage firm, Louise H. Ailor & Company. During her nearly 50 years in real estate she held various leadership roles within the profession, including President of the Women's Council of REALTORS. In 2004, she was awarded Lifetime Membership in the Richmond Association of REALTORS. Louise's passion for serving her community also led to her becoming President of the Westwood Civic Association and President of the Commonwealth Woman's Club. She was a Den Mother while her sons were in Cub Scouts, was active in Democratic Party politics, and served as a presidential convention delegate. Louise's joie de vivre was evident to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor, and will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230 on Friday, May 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. EDT, with a memorial ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to Reveille United Methodist Church (www.reveilleumc.org). Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. alongside Billy, who predeceased her in 1983. Louise was also predeceased by her mother, father; brother, William "Billy Vann" Horne Jr.; and sister, Dorothy Horne Decker. She is survived by her three sons, William H. Ailor III (Barbara) of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., James R. Ailor (Gail) of Midlothian, Va. and David C. Ailor (Diane) of Del Mar, Calif.; as well as her grandson, C. Todd Ailor (Ginger) of Midlothian, Va.; and granddaughter, Melissa "Missie" Ailor Dusett (Chuck) of Bon Air, Va.