Mary Fann

Mary “Patsy” Fann, born on June 21, 1942, in Twin City, Georgia, to Sharper Fann and Classie Dennie - Fann, was the youngest of nineteen children. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at her home, surrounded by loved ones.

Mary began her education in the Twin City Elementary School system and graduated from Emanuel County High School in Swainsboro, GA, in 1962. In 1963, she moved to Brooklyn, NY, where she lived with her brother James. It was there she met Tom Branch, Jr. (deceased 1969), with whom she had two beautiful daughters, Annette Wills and Tonia Branch.  After Tom’s passing, Mary later met John “Curley” Wilson (deceased), and from their union, they had two children: Kimberly Wilson and Jason Wilson.

In 1969, Mary began her career at the Breukelen Headstart – Daycare in Brooklyn, NY, as a Health Aid. She dedicated 35 years to this job, affectionately known as “Ms. Mary” by the children and families she served. Her passion for caring for children was evident in the love she put into preparing and serving healthy meals to the preschoolers who adored her cooking.

Mary retired in 2004 but remained active, continuing to cook and bake cakes for family and friends. Known for her feisty, loving spirit, she always made anyone who visited feel special, offering the best cakes made in Brooklyn. She loved attending plays at the Billie Holiday Theatre with her daughter, enjoying family outings, and watching “The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Her faith in God was unshakeable, as she saw Him as her source and strength. She never complained and was always a supportive and kind presence to others.

Mary was a natural caregiver, willing to assist anyone in need without judgment, offering a kind word or a listening ear.  Mary will be remembered for her warm, generous heart, and for the many lives she touched, especially her grandchildren. Her loving nature and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.  She will be missed by her traveling buddy and niece Ida Fann, and the women she entrusted with your minor children Ms. Gail Fann and Mrs. Janet Ransom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sharper Fann and Classie Dennie-Fann, and her eighteen siblings: James Fann, Willie Fann, Homer Fann, Ida Fann, J.D. Fann, Azerene Fann, Clyde Fann, Segaster Williamson, Clarence Fann, Robert L. Fann Sr., Roy Fann, George Fann, Otis Fann Sr., Ulysses Fann, Ralph Fann, Gladys Fann, Bruce Fann, and Marian Fann.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory: her four children, Annette Wills (Lawrence Wills) of Clayton, NC; Tonia S. Branch of Brooklyn, NY; Kimberly Wilson of Baltimore, MD, Jason J. Wilson of Brooklyn, NY; and her five grandchildren, Tyler S. Wills, Jazz A. Wilson, Bryce T. Wills, Zane E. Wilson, and Carter J. Wilson, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and many loving relatives and friends.

The staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to support and service the Fann family with Dignity, Respect, and Integrity. 

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