Mary Gandy Wilkinson "Mom, Meeps, Mommie, MeMe and Grandmamma", died at age 95, at Angels for the Elderly in Montgomery, Alabama, on Thursday, November 6, 2014. The cause of death, she ran out of life having lived it as full as possible, working tirelessly caring for her first child at home while her husband was overseas during World War II. After the war she had two more children, raising all three while working when necessary but majoring daily in caring for family and loving God.
Born April 4, 1919, in Greenville, Alabama, to Eula and Walter Gandy, she attended school in Greenville graduating in 1937. Mary served at home during World War II, not in the military but doing what the Greatest Generation did often, pray and work to support the efforts abroad, prepare for the world after the war, and help build the country by being a GREAT MOM.
Mary lived in many different places beginning with her first home near Greenville, Alabama, her birth place. After marriage, she moved to Mobile, Alabama where her first child, Patsy, was born. From there she moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma during her husband's military training. Upon completion of training and after her husband shipped off to war, she moved back to Shackleville, Alabama, to live until the war was over. After the war Mary settled in Fort Deposit, living there for over 50 years until moving to Montgomery, Alabama to be near her son. Then retiring from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology where she worked as Compliance Inspector developed many friends and earned respect for her work.
While living in Fort Deposit, Mary was a member of the First United Methodist Church keeping the books for her Sunday School Class and working wherever asked at church and within the community to help others. Moving to Montgomery she attended Whitfield United Methodist Church until moving her membership to St James United Methodist Church where she attended with her son and daughter in law, Judi, whom she loved dearly. She enjoyed her work as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels looking forward every day to seeing those she served. She was an avid gardener and a longtime volunteer at the homes of her children tending and working their yards and teaching them her knowledge of horticulture. In addition to being a dedicated Mom, she was also a dedicated grandmother and great- grandmother.
She was Preceded in death by Evelyn Dulin, sister; Herbert Gandy Jr., brother; Herman Gandy, brother; Lillian Autrey, sister; Robert Gandy, brother.
Survivors include her: Three Children; Pricilla "Patsy" Caranante (Sam) Tampa, Florida; Bobbie Duncan (Terry) Americus, Georgia; Ron Wilkinson (Judi) Montgomery, Alabama; six grandchildren; Ronald Wilkinson (Michelle) Hayneville, Alabama; Tiffany Ship (Scott) Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Michelle Beird (Brian) Tampa, Florida; Prentiss Pearce (Larry) Newnan, Georgia; Sal Caranante II, Tampa Florida; Terence Duncan (Katie) Americus Georgia; nine great-grandchildren; Ashley Glen Wilkinson, Auburn Alabama; Hailey Ann Wilkinson; Troy, Alabama; Chandler Ship, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Jake Ship, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Brooke Beird, Tampa, Florida; Rosemary Pierce, Newnan, Georgia; Brayden Caranante, Tampa, Florida; Isabella Caranante, Tampa Florida; Tripp Duncan, Americus, Georgia. sisters; Doris Gibson (Joe "deceased), Hartwell, GA; Eva Ray Speed (Houston), Fairfield, AL. nieces and nephews; Mary had many nieces and nephews that loved her.
Mary wanted a simple quiet service, much like the way she lived. There will be a Graveside Celebration of her Life Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in Magnolia Cemetery. with Reverend David Saliba officiating and Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Meals on Wheels, Hospice or your favorite charity.
Words cannot begin to thank the staff at Angels for the Elderly as well as the Hospice Staff for their help and support.