With profound love and gratitude for a well lived life, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mary Ann Franklin, who slipped from the surly bonds of this earth and touched the face of GOD on July 24, 2026. 

Mary Ann Franklin was born on May 18, 1961, at University of California Hospital in Los Angeles, California, and was the beloved daughter of Willie Franklin, Jr. and Dorothy Jean Franklin who both welcomed her into heaven. 

She was raised in Venice, CA, where she attended Broadway Elementary School, Mark Twain Junior High School, and Venice High School. Determined to achieve her goals, she later earned her General Educational Development (G.E.D.) diploma and fulfilled her dream of becoming a dietician. She dedicated more than twenty years of service to UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, where her compassion, professionalism, and commitment positively impacted countless patients and colleagues. Family was the center of Mary's world. She shared many years of love and companionship with her partner Clemmie Steward, and above all else, she was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother. Her children knew there was nothing she would not do for them. She was their greatest cheerleader, their protector, and their unwavering source of love. Her loyalty to her children never wavered, and "no" was rarely a part of her vocabulary when it came to them. 

To know Mary Ann was to know strength. She was straightforward, humble, resilient, and never one to sugarcoat the truth. She believed in keeping it real and saying exactly what was on her mind, always with authenticity and often with a touch of humor. She was well known for her cooking, especially her Thanksgiving dressing, potato salad, and pasta salad, which were requested by family and friends alike for events and gatherings. Although she would jokingly pretend she didn't want to, she took great pride in being asked. Providing a good meal for those she loved brought her genuine joy. 

She found joy in life's simple pleasures: spending time with her family and friends, trying new experiences, dancing whenever the music played, laughing, and sharing conversations. She had a smile that could brighten the room and a frown that let you know if something was amiss. Acts of affection often made her bashful, but her love was never in question because she was demonstrated it every single day through her unwavering presence. 

In 2011, Mary Ann was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Determined to live life to the fullest, she embraced the lifestyle changes and treatment plan recommended by her physicians. As her condition progressed, she underwent surgery to receive a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that supported her heart while she awaited a transplant. Despite the challenges of living with an LVAD, Mary Ann faced each day with remarkable strength, resilience, and determination. 

Years of dedicated care from her medical team at Keck Medicine of USC ultimately led to a life-saving heart transplant. Surrounded by the support of her healthcare providers and loved ones, she received the gift of a new heart which blessed Mary Ann with five additional years surrounded by the people she loved most. During that time, she welcomed two more grandchildren into the family, creating precious memories that her loved ones will cherish forever. 

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her loving parents, Willie Jr. and Dorothy Jean. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her long-time partner in life, Clemmie Stewart Sr.; her children, Kanasha Tyree-Curtis (Maurice) of Lake Elsinore, CA, Taquisha Tyree of Santa Monica, CA, Raynan Davis of Panorama City, CA, Porcha Arreola (Steven) of Las Vegas, NV, Clavel Stewart of Panorama City, CA, and Zakia Stewart of Panorama City, CA; Seven grandchildren, Charli Curtis, Sean Quetel, Aubrey Arreola, Summer Quetel, Zoey Arreola, Caleiya Stewart, and Cameia Stewart; siblings Adele Faniel (Billy) of Fontana, CA, and Tracinal Franklin of Los Angeles, CA; one niece, Sharay Faniel, and two nephews, Tradel Faniel and Windel Faniel; two great-nieces and one great-nephew; the children and grandchildren of her longtime partner, Clemmie Stewart, who were an important part of her extended family; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends who were blessed to know and love her. 

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we are deeply grateful for the memories she leaves behind, the lessons she taught through her strength, and the unconditional love she poured into her family. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every smile she inspired, and every moment she made brighter simply by being herself. Her story does not end here. She lives on in every lesson she taught, every meal she prepared, every laugh she shared, and every life she touched.