Mary Deal Franklin

Mary Deal Franklin, of the Excelsior Community, passed away late Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Mrs. Franklin was born in Bulloch County where she was raised and was a daughter of John Deal and Ruby Roach Deal. She married Jasper Remer Franklin in 1952. She was a member of Excelsior Baptist Church and farmed alongside her husband. Mary loved to work, serving her community through her service at Excelsior Baptist Church, Edenfield restaurant, Franklin’s Egg Farm, and Cal-Maine Foods. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, and keeping a neat and tidy home and yard. Mary was described as a tough, strong-willed, and determined woman, who weathered the hardships of life with grace and gratitude.

In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jasper Remer Franklin; brothers, Irvin, Lonnie, Will, and Charlie Deal; and her grandson, Matthew Odom.

Surviving are her three daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Bobby Odom of Metter, Ellen and Buddy Nail of Cobbtown, Tina and John Hall of Lawrenceville; a brother, Cecil Deal of Savannah; a sister, Ruth Bragg of Statesboro; grandchildren, Dustin Nail (Lindsay), Dirk Nail (Jessica), Grant Odom (Brandi), Michele Mendoza, Regan Sulpizio (Kyle), Stephanie Hall, and Tiffany Walker (Tim); 6 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great granddaughters; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Excelsior Baptist Church with Rev. Justin Merrit officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 o’clock at the Church on Thursday.

Interment will be in the Excelsior Baptist Church Cemetery.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.