Mary Joe Gallagher Franklin

Mary Joe Gallagher Franklin, 91, of Morganton, went home to be with the Lord on June 18, 2016 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care. Mary was born on April 28, 1925 in Hyde County, South Dakota to the late John Martin Gallagher and Frances Perrigoue Gallagher. She was in the first Family Nurse Practitioner graduating class at UNC-Chapel Hill. She was the first FNP at the J Iverson Riddle Center (WCC). She was instrumental in establishing the Enola Volunteer Fire Department. An active member of St. Charles Borromeo Church for over 30 years, participating in the Ladies Guild, Parents Night Out, the Widows Group, Cursillo, and many other volunteer positions. Worked as a tax preparer at Burke County Senior Center. She was an active member of the SEANC (retirement group) and Rolling Thunder for years. She completed her Cadet Nurses Training in 1945 as World War II ended.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Vance Franklin; brothers Thomas and Jack Gallagher; and sister-in-law, Catherine Gallagher.
Surviving Mary are two sons, Richard J. Franklin and wife, Shirley of Statesville, Joe T. Franklin and wife, Jill of Charlotte; two daughters, Jane Franklin Powell and Barbara Franklin Huffman both of Morganton; grandchildren, Marc, Eric, Will, and Mallory Franklin, Chadd and Nikki Powell; four great grandchildren and a host of extended family that she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM Friday, June 24, 2016 in Murray Hall at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton. The funeral mass will follow at 4:00 PM Friday, June 24, 2016 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. In honor of Mary Joe's lifelong commitment and support of our military, please wear something with red in it for the visitation/funeral.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka KS, 66675.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.