Mary Ann Cullens Franklin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Mary Ann Cullens Franklin. Her warmth, her bright smile, and her extraordinary personality will be missed by all who knew her. We rejoice that she is now at peace and united with her Savior in Glory. Mary Ann was born on April 1st, 1959 in Cartersville, Georgia to the late J. R. “Jake” Cullens and Mary Ethel Barfield Cullens. Born a free spirit with a fierce sense of independence, she embarked on a series of adventures after her grade school days, which took her across the country and back again. After her travels, she landed in Statesboro at Georgia Southern University where she studied education. She then taught high school biology, fostering in her students a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, a value that would continue to influence all aspects of her life. In 1985, Mary Ann wed her husband, Robert Franklin. They were together forty years until his passing in July of last year. Mary Ann, having always been a city girl, moved out of town to Robert’s family farm near Register, a change that suited her just fine (eventually). She was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother. Loving nature as she did, she helped her two boys catch and adopt all manner of snakes, turtles, frogs, and any other stray animals they might encounter. She was a lot of fun. In later years, she had an especially close bond with her two grandchildren, whom she adored and spoiled endlessly. They made many precious memories together. Mary Ann loved to make things beautiful. She was blessed with an extremely detailed imagination and creativity of the highest order—qualities that led her to find her calling as an interior designer. She was gifted with a unique ability to visualize a space, not as it was, but for what it might become, and she could transform even the most mundane object into a work of art. She began a new career helping customers with everything from arranging furniture to designing custom kitchens. It brought her tremendous satisfaction to give each client a space that made them happy and comfortable. If she were here now, she would want to thank all those who invited her to work in their homes through the years. It was truly her pleasure. More than anything else, Mary Ann’s life was defined by her love for people. “Shy” was not in her vocabulary—she saw only the good in others and always managed to find something in common with everyone she met. One of Mary Ann’s favorite things in the world was a party! If she was involved, everyone knew it was going to be extra-special. She was an excellent hostess, and her cooking was second to none. She always went above and beyond to make sure everyone had fun. Mary Ann was also deeply sentimental. She had a great big heart, full of grace and generosity. She sincerely cared for those around her, and she never failed to reach out to a person in need. Many who knew her have described Mary Ann as an eccentric, and while that was certainly true, she was so much more. She was bold in every possible way and entirely unconstrained by convention and expectation. She danced to an unheard rhythm and cast a peculiar brilliance wherever she went. She defied any attempt to define, predict, or contain. She was ready for every new experience, and she loved with an open heart. She was one of God’s genuine originals.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Cullens of Cartersville, her brother, John B. Cullens (Winnie) of Menlo, and her beloved husband, Robert C. Franklin of Register.

She is survived by her sons, Justin Franklin (Emily) of Register and Jason Franklin of Statesboro, her brother, Joseph R. Cullens (Harriet) of Marietta, her granddaughter, Charley Jane Franklin, and her grandson, Preston Franklin.

A graveside service, led by Elder Will Martin, will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 24th at Lower Lott’s Creek Cemetery, 225 Old Register Way, Statesboro, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to Ephesus Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Edwin White, Treasurer, 4009 Denton Loop, Statesboro, Georgia 30461.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

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