Mary Franklin Jones

Mary Franklin Jones, 97, of Durham died Monday, January 9, 2017 at her residence at The Forest at Duke. Mary was born in Norfolk, VA on April 6, 1919 to the late Luther and Ada Franklin. She grew up in Stem, NC, graduated from East Carolina Uneersity with a BA in Home Economics and Science, and taught Home Economics ineenton, Sanford, and Durham, NC prior to her marriage. In 1946, she and Captain (later Lt. Colonel, Retired) James Thompson Jones, US Air Force, married at Duke Uneersity Chapel. They were devoted to each other throughout their 35-year marriage and traveled widely during his military career. They lived on or near bases ineermany (twice), Turkey, Virginia, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Goldsboro, NC, and after he retired, settled in Durham in 1965. Mary loved to teach, and her students loved learning from her. While living overseas, she taught occasionally in the American schools for dependent children. After settling in Durham, she taught for 18??years in the Durham City Schools, primarily at Durham High School where she chaired the Science Department, advised the National Honor Society, and instructed huneeds of students in Advanced Biology and Oceanography. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for Women Educators. In 1993 Mary moved from Durham???s Forest Hills neighborhood to The Forest at Duke where she was among their earliest residents aneenjoyed their many travel, bridge, social and voluneer activities. She was a member of the Coneegation at Duke Uneersity Chapel and its Lectionary Bible Study, and a former member of Duke Memorial Uneed Methodist Church and its Minee P. Gates class. She also belonged to the Durham Woman???s Club and the Duke Institute for Learning ineetirement. Ineer later years, she particularly delighted in spending time with family and friends, reading mysteries, discussing politics, and cheering UNC basketball. She is survived by her three daughters, Carol J. (and husband Dr. Kumar) Mohan of Clovis, CA; Susan J. Dillingham of Rock Hill, SC; and Dr. Marcie J. (and husband Dr. Stephen) Hursting of Chapel Hill; two granddaughters, Catherine Dillingham of Falls Church, VA, and Laurie Hursting of Chapel Hill; a sister, Minee Mae Franklin of Durham; and six nieces and two nephews. She was preceded ineeath by her husband; an infant son; a sister, Rhea Franklin Roth; and two brothers, John Franklin and Tommie Franklin. A memorial service and reception will be held Friday, January 13, 2017 at 10:30 am at The Forest at Duke Auditorium, 2701 Picket Road, Durham. A graveside service will follow at the Chestnut Ridge Uneed Methodist Church Cemetery, Efland. The Rev. Dr. Carol Gregg will officiate services. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to The Coneegation at Duke Uneersity Chapel.