Mary Elizabeth (Butts) Bucknell

Mary E. Robinson Bucknell, 89, of Franklin, passed away at her home on December 15, 2015. Mary was born Mary Elizabeth Butts in Newport News, Virginia, on September 20, 1926, to the late Alexander and Margaret Herrington Butts. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Frederick Anthony Bucknell, and her brother, Edwin Fulcher, formerly of Waynesboro, Georgia. Mary grew up in Waynesboro, spending her summers in Newport News. Mary graduated from Waynesboro High School and attended the Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia.

Mary married the late John Robinson and moved to Miami, Florida, in 1948 where she lived for 52 years. She was a prominent real estate broker in Miami Shores for over 30 years with active membership in numerous real estate organizations.

Mary retired and moved to Franklin, North Carolina, in 1998. She soon came out of retirement and resumed her real estate career, working at Franklin Realty and Four Seasons Realty. Many of Mary’s prospects, sellers, and co‑workers became her close friends, as people were always drawn to her Southern charm and outgoing personality.

Mary is survived by her daughter Mary Lynn (Alan) Duncan of the home and son John R. Robinson (Carol) of Wimauma, Florida; grandchildren Scott MacGillivray (Elaine) of Flowery Branch, Georgia; Tammy (Ken) Holloway of Luther, Oklahoma; Cory (Stephanie) MacGillivray of Frisco, Texas; Wendy (Michael) Henry of Wimauma, Florida; and Kristy (Ralph) Michael of Waynesville, North Carolina; and great‑grandchildren: Austin, Ryder, Wyatt, Shaelin, Larkin, Gunnar, Briana, Jack, Sawyer, Emily, Mikey, Danny, Keagan and Libby.

Mary was the matriarch of a close and loving family who know she will be watching over each and every one of them. At her request, no funeral services will be held at this time. Friends are invited to celebrate her life at the family home, 897 Trimont Mountain Road, on Friday, December 18th, from 3 to 6 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Appalachian Animal Rescue Center, 851 Lake Emory Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home is serving the Bucknell family.  Online condolences are available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.