This is the story of Mary Frances Cantrell, who passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at her residence, surrounded by her family. Mary Frances was a wonderful woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our Mary Frances was an amazing wife, mom, daughter, sister, Cosmetologist, bridge master, tennis player, and cook like no other could be.
Mary Frances’ story starts on September 12, 1944, the fourth child to James and Josephine Royal. She was born in Ocilla, GA. and grew up there in a hardworking but loving household. She was reared in Ocilla in the house across from Frank Church where she would spend her childhood. In Ocilla, as a farm girl, she helped crop many rows of cotton, peanuts, and tobacco, cleaned countless amounts of game, made many lifelong friends, and when she had the time, went to school. Her Royal family nickname was “Squabbie” which she was lovingly referred to by her family throughout her life. As the fourth child of nine, she had to act as sibling as well as a surrogate parent to all her younger siblings. She was very proud to be an Irwin County Indian and played on the basketball team. While in high school, Mary Frances also found a niche as a hair stylist while working for Mildred Davis (Miggy) at the salon. At Irwin County High School, Mary met the love of her life, Ronny Dean Cantrell. They had their first date on the team bus during an away game by holding hands. Ronny and Mary had a whirlwind romance and were married at Frank Primitive Baptist Church on February 9, 1964. Shortly after marriage, they moved to Jacksonville, Fl. where she carried on her training as a hair stylist and Ronny worked as a clerk in the trucking industry. While in Jacksonville, they celebrated the birth of their first child, Tonya. After a short celebration, they vowed to never have any more kids as Tonya came out screaming and hasn’t hushed since. The family moved to New Orleans where Ronny was employed with the railroad and Mary continued her career as a Cosmetologist. After a couple of years, they moved to Alexandria, VA where Mary continued to work in Cosmetology and Ronny with the railroad. While in Alexandria, their favorite child, Brandon, was born. He was such a blessing to the family and to this day remains an absolute Saint. Mary loved her South Georgia roots and while living away, felt a yearning to return to Georgia. In 1977, she and Ronny made the decision to move closer to home and bought a convenience store in Fitzgerald, GA, R&M Grocery. Ronny and Mary spent many years in the convenience store business and raised their family. They also hosted a foreign exchange student from Osaka, Japan, Masami Nashida. Ronny and Mary Frances still consider him a part of the family and another son. They eventually sold the store and bought Floyd’s Restaurant, the best little place to eat in Fitzgerald and continue to own the business.
Mary Frances' family was her heart and joy. There’s no denying that, her family, were the people that she loved the most. As they were similar ages, her sister Dorothy was her best friend not only as children but as adults as well. She loved being “Grandma” or “Grandmama.” She cherished her grandchildren and placed her mark on every one of them. Adam Richardson was born in 1985, MaryLee Jowers in 1990, Gavin Cantrell in 2002, and Jacob (Jake) Cantrell in 2008.
Time spent around holidays and other family events were some of the moments she cherished most. Some of her favorite times were sitting around the family table late into the midnight hour “discussing” and working out all of the Royal family business. Thanksgiving at Frank Primitive Baptist Church and Christmas at one of the Royal family houses were her favorite times and events of the year. Mary Frances was renowned for her cooking skills. Whether it was her biscuits, chicken and dumplings, or fried chicken, she loved to cook and host family and friends with her down-home cooking and hospitality. Mary Frances' second love was tennis. She was an avid player throughout her life. Mary Frances played with many people in the surrounding communities including Fitzgerald, Ocilla, Tifton and elsewhere. In her hay day, she was part of a team of doubles specialists that dominated the middle Georgia area for years. Her favorite doubles partners included Gwen Davis, Milton Meyers, Mel Merritt and Bo Ball. As they played, Mary Frances and Gwen Davis were jokingly referred to as “GD and MF.” She cherished those tournament days and trips. Mary Frances also loved to play Bridge. Every Thursday night, she met with friends to hone her skills and eventually achieved her Gold Master points. She routinely hosted bridge club meetings and served as her bridge club treasurer. Above all, she loved and worshipped Jesus Christ. She grew up in Frank Primitive Baptist Church and attended Arbor Baptist Church for the past 40 or so years. Mary Frances and Ronny made certain their children grew up with Christ and instilled a Christian Faith so important to us all.
Loved ones that cleared the path for Mary Frances are her father James Shinholster Royal, mother Josephine Harden Royal, her brothers Seaborn Royal, Whitley Royal, Joe Royal, and Billy Royal, sisters Dorothy Royal and Charlotte Herrington. Loved ones that will miss Mary until they meet again are her husband Ronny Cantrell; her daughter Tonya Jowers; her son and daughter in-law Brandon and Lisa Cantrell; and her grandchildren Adam Richardson, Mary Lee Jowers, Gavin Cantrell, and Jacob (Jake) Cantrell; Her sisters Betty Laura Walker and Katie Arrington. She has a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 4 PM, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Frank Primitive Baptist Church in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating. Interment will follow in Whitley Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services in the sanctuary on Saturday.
Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.