Mary Franklin

Our beloved mother, grandmother and friend, Mary Zoe Franklin, 89, passed away on November 4, 2019 following a sudden stroke.  We would have loved to have celebrated her 90th birthday with her on December 18, but recognize that she had other plans.  Our wish is that she, Freeman and deceased near relatives have reunited this week!  We are so grateful to have shared in her life, with her zest for living and ability to gain friendships wherever she traveled.

Mom was born on December 18, 1929 in Greeneville, TN, the oldest of nine children to Ellis Copley and Willie Mae Copley.  She attended business school after completing high school in Greeneville, then became employed as a bookkeeper in Greeneville.  She met Freeman Franklin, an Air Force Sargent, at a dance.  After marrying, she and Freeman had 2 children, Mike and Marilyn.  As an Air Force family, they lived in many places, including Germany, Mississippi, California, South Dakota and Alaska before finally settling down in Utah to enjoy Freeman’s retirement.  Mary Zoe became employed as a civil professional employee at Hill Air Force Base supporting the Minuteman III program and retired in the 1990’s after 20 years of service.

Although she was very busy working and raising two children, Mary Zoe had a number of interests; two of which followed her for the rest of her life.  She was an avid bridge player, playing 2-3 times per week when she could.  In her later years, Mom remarked that it was getting tougher to find partners, but she kept playing up until the last week of her life, and really loved the social interaction as well as the strategy of the game.

Mary Zoe’s other love was based in service, as a very active member in two Eastern Star organizations for nearly 50 years, including the Beth Arabah chapter in Clearfield, Utah, and Beth Seida chapter in Bountiful, Utah.  She was also active in the Daughters of the Nile in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Over the years, Mary Zoe served in various leadership positions in the chapters, some for several years each.  She served as Worthy Matron in 1989-1990 and 2004-2005 for Beth Arabah Chapter #24.  Mary Zoe also served as the Grand Representative to Mississippi, Tennessee and North Carolina. for She really enjoyed interacting with others in social and service situations.  And she collected a number of lovely gowns over the years that looked great on her!    She had a generous soul and was known for her hospitality and kindness.  With her Eastern Star friends, she traveled widely in the United States and to several foreign destinations.

Mom also kept in close contact with her family, visiting them as often as time allowed.  Her sister, Judy Keasling and brothers Fred Copley and Don Copley are her remaining living siblings, with many other close relatives as well.

She is succeeded in life by her son, Mike and his wife, Kelly, and her daughter, Marilyn with husband Charles and sons Adam, Scott, Ken and Charlie – and their families, as well as Ellis Copley.

A Celebration of Life will beheld on Tuesday, November 12 at 11 a.m. the Community United Methodist Church, 163 West 4800 South in Ogden, Utah. Friends may visit the family on Monday, November 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., and on Tuesday 9:30 to 10:30 at the church. Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd, Ogden, where Mary Zoe will be buried next to Freeman.

A luncheon will follow graveside services at the Community Church.

We are grateful to the employees of Davis County Hospital, Community Nursing Services, and the Davis County EMS personnel who so quickly responded to Mom’s home on November 2.  We have received great support from the Community United Methodist Church, for which we are very appreciative.  We also need to thank Mom’s outstanding friends who have supported Mom this year, especially because she quit driving (even though she thought it was a conspiracy).

In lieu of flowers, the Franklin family requests donations be made to the Shriner's Hospital in her name.