Mary Elizabeth Turner Gardner Franz born October 27, 1941 to Mary Alice Braswell and Redell Lotton Turner (both deceased) in Weldon NC.  She passed away June 25, 2025.  Mary was predeceased by her husband of 31 years, William (Bill) Franz; brother, Robert Earl Turner and ex-husband, Robert E. Gardner, Sr.  Mary was a member of Magnolia United Methodist Church in Suffolk VA, acting as Youth Director for many Years and singing in the choir.  The youths referred to her as Mamma Gardner and that name stuck over the years; she was also known by many as Mary T.

Mary enjoyed working in her flower garden; with potted plants and liked to share her plants with others. She also loved watching and listening to birds, especially Hummingbirds and Eagles as much as she enjoyed taking pictures.  She always said she was a "picture taker" not a photographer!

Mary was employed as Secretary to the Chief of Police in Suffolk, VA during the merger of Nansemond County and Suffolk and the Suffolk Department of Social Services before taking a civil service job with the Naval Sea Support Center, Atlantic in 1984 and retiring September 30, 2004.  She was a cheerleader at Southampton High School and later attended Franklin High School.

Mary is survived by her loving Shih Tzu, Gizmo and children Robert (Bobby) E. Gardner Jr. (Amy), Yvonne Gardner Weiss (Dan), Keith Franz (Helen), Denise Russell (Charles), and Victoria Pritchard (Ricky).  Eleven grandchildren:  Gabrielle, Evan, Morgan, Jimmy Jr., Daniel, Katie, Tina, Blake, David, Nicole and Jason.  Sixteen great-grandchildren:  Simon, Lillie, Lissie, Anistyn, Graycee, Rylan, Halee, Brodie, Adelyn, Ethan, Kara, Haley Rain, Jordyn, NovaLeigh, J.W. and Banks.  She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Claud; brothers, William (Billy) Turner, Herbert Turner (Carole), J.D. Turner (Paula) and sister-in-laws, Ann Turner and Helen Becker, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Brandon Nichols officiating.  Burial will follow at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation one-hour prior from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.