Mary Flatt

Mary Nella Franklin Flatt was born on October 26, 1946, in Overton County, Tennessee to Carl Disney Franklin and Evelyn Ollie Murphy Franklin. She departed this life on December 23, 2024, at Select Specialty Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

She left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength. She weathered many storms in life but always persevered with determination and a positive attitude, of never giving up. She set an example to many that knew her. She loved to laugh and was also known for her sassy attitude. She enjoyed sitting on her porch drinking coffee while watching wildlife and many crafts. She accomplished any goal she set for herself.

Mary was a hard worker, beginning her career after graduating from Livingston Academy at the Livingston Shirt Factory. She would go on to work at Teledyne Stillman, C and M Clothing, and Oshkosh B’ Gosh before settling at the Dollar General Store in Gainesboro, Tennessee. She spent 15 years of her life managing the store. She met many people and enjoyed talking to all of them.

On April 18, 1969, she married her soulmate Billy L. Flatt, who survives her. Their beautiful love story continued for fifty-five years, with them never leaving each other’s side. They had two children, Christopher W. Flatt (Angela) of Gordonsville, Tennessee and Sharon E Flatt Carlile of Cookeville, Tennessee. Both children survived.

Mary was an amazing, supportive, loving mother, always being supportive of her children. There to lend a hand, celebrate triumphs or provide a warm embrace. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Callie Carlile, Grant Carlile, Chloe Flatt, Olivia Denton Bogue (Brian), Alicia Flatt and Brianna Flatt. She is also survived by her beloved brother, whom she fondly called “her baby” David Franklin (Angie) of Crossville, Tennessee, along with a host of nieces and nephews and special friends Judy Bracey Parham (Tom) and Beck Burgess.

She was preceded by in death by her parents, brother: Ronnie Franklin, and sister: Betty Bilbrey Donaldson.

She was a member of Davidson Chapel Church of Christ. Mary will forever live on in the hearts of everyone that knew her and loved her, especially those closest to her. Her kindness, strength, and hard-working personality set an example to her family and friends.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 2 PM until 8 PM. Visitation will resume on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 12 PM until time of funeral. The funeral will be held on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 2 PM. Brothers Johnny Fox and Charlie Wills will be officiating. Burial will follow in Curry’s Chapel Cemetery.

The following are honored to be Mary’s pallbearers: David Franklin, Eric Flatt, Greg Kirby, Johnny Bryant, Mark Brown, and Stanley Duke.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 931-268-1550.