Mary Elizabeth Black-Cranford

1941 - 2024

Mary Elizabeth Black-Cranford, 83, of Germantown, took her last breath at home with family and friends by her side on July 14, 2024. Mary was born February 1, 1941, in Copperhill, Tennessee-the daughter of Jack B. Black and D. Leah Brown-Black.

Mary's life story reminds this author of Luke 10:25–37. The Parable of the Good Samaritan, her story.

Mary, the youngest of three children, was raised in Copperhill, a geological region on the Tennessee-Georgia border known as the Copper Basin, the site of a major copper mining operation. Life was challenging for the family, but Mary remembered her childhood with fondness and loved her life there. As a child, Mary was talkative and outgoing, embraced her family, and was admired for her strong faith, beauty, intelligence, quick wit, and sense of humor. As a teen, Mary moved to Marietta, GA, married in 1958, and began what was to be a lifetime of making the world a better place and leaving an enduring impression on all those she met.

Mary's faith was a constant in her life and defined her values and persona. As in her childhood, she was talkative and outgoing and championed her family. Over time, she proved strong and independent. Mary was a natural storyteller, often inspiring people using her beliefs and individual experiences to relate parables illustrating moral or spiritual truths. When Mary entered the room, her positive outlook on life and vibrancy energized those in attendance. She was conscientious, supportive, and charitable, serving people using every God-given gift she had.

Mary's family grew in 1964, welcoming their first child, a daughter, Julie, followed by sons Sid in 1969 and Justin in 1979. Her parenting philosophy was successful. Once again, she applied her natural gifts, resulting in a wide range of achievements for her children, educational milestones, business ownership, medical careers, expert craftsmen, fitness influencers, and rock stars. Mary developed passions for classical piano, country music, rock and roll, and horses … all while balancing a career in sales, banking, accounting, financial, medical records, and Arabian horses.

The defining moment in Mary's career was the opening of GermanTAN & Nails in 1985. Her earlier work experience gave her the skills necessary for success, combined with her positive outlook, communication skills, and ability to connect with customers, employees, and vendors. Mary influenced employees and their children, who frequented the shop, to open new businesses. A powerful tree grows strong branches and provides shade. To this day, those she touched tell stories of how Mary changed their lives, sometimes with a gracious smile and others with a heartfelt tear. After challenges and joyful years, Mary sold GermanTAN & Nails. Mary finally retired years later, making new friends at every stop she made.

Tragedy marred the last chapter of Mary's life. In November 2022, her longtime home was destroyed by fire. The financial burden and displacement took a toll on Mary mentally and physically. In February 2024, Mary had an extended hospitalization but was released into home hospice in May 2024. While in hospice, Mary fought bravely for her life and prayed for her children. Family and friends came to her aid to provide exceptional care and comfort during her time in hospice.

Mary is reunited in heaven with her grandparents, her parents Jack and Leah Black, her sister Rheda Black-Godfrey, and her brother James Travis Black. Her beloved children and grandchildren survive Mary: her daughter Julie Louise Fletcher and her husband Scott of Germantown and their daughter Jordan; her son Sid Fletcher and wife Jessica of Germantown and their children Truman, Grace, and Garris; her son Justin Cranford of Cordova and his children Evan and Casey. Her extended family members also survived Mary, including Lisa Cranford-Churchwell, her husband Gary of Chattanooga, and their children; Jay Cranford, his wife Susan, and their children and grandchildren; Micah Cranford-McMillan, and her daughter of Mountain Shasta, CA; and Andrew Cranford, his wife Karin, and their children of Huntsville, AL.

The family would like to thank Methodist Hospice Residence and Home Hospice for their generous support and service. Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery is serving our family.

Mary's surviving family and friends invite all to gather for a Celebration of Life highlighting her life's journey, which will be held Saturday August 17, 2024, at 2:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38120. Visitation will be held prior to services starting at 1:00pm. Guest speakers will share remembrances of Mary with Pastor George Estes presiding over services. Honorary urn-bearers will be Jay Cranford, Cathy Cochran-Weldon, and grandchildren.

Mary passionately gave to individuals, the community, and first responders in need. Friends are encouraged to donate to their favorite charity if memorial donations are preferred.