ATLANTA, GA
Mary Clarastine (French) Saunders Sherman quietly departed this life on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the age of 86.
Born and raised in Franklin, Indiana, the eldest of nine children, Mary embodied the value of hard work. Mary spent much of her life in Franklin where she raised her six children. In 1971, she moved from Franklin to Columbus, IN to work for the Cummins Engine Company; and eventually retired from there in 1982.
After her retirement, Mary continued to keep busy as she relocated a few times to Chesapeake, VA, Winston-Salem, NC, and eventually to Atlanta, GA (to be near two of her children). Throughout her life, she enjoyed working with people and had a long list of hobbies including cooking, gardening, skating, arts and crafts (ceramic/woodworking), reading, traveling, listening to music, and walking. Mary was also an active Jehovah Witness and regularly expressed her love for “Jehovah.”
Mary leaves behind to cherish her loving memory; her children; Kirk (Pam) French of Florida, Veronica Saunders Moss of Georgia, and Robert Saunders, also of Georgia; grandchildren, Jamar Saunders, Anthony French, Kelli French, Dominique Saunders and Chase Saunders; great-grandchildren, Tyshun Saunders, Damien Saunders, Dalilah Saunders; brothers, Rev. Irvin M. (Debbie) French of Indianapolis, IN, Frederick Darnell (Gwen) French of Indianapolis, IN; sisters, Carolyn M. Jolley of Columbus, IN, Tina R. (Chuck) Boddie of Columbus, IN, and Kathleen F. (Daniel) Gillies of Franklin, IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins (Jennie Roberts) and friends. Mary is preceded in passing by her parents; Clifford Irvin and Mary Magdaline (Harris) French; children; Don Saunders, Randall Long and Sara Saunders; brothers, Clifford N. French and Ernest L. French; and her sister, Charlene Bellamy.
A memorial service to honor Mary’s life and legacy will be held on Saturday, September 14 at 3:00 pm at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1710 Lewisville Clemmons Rd. Clemmons, NC 27012 (386) 712-9033.
Flowers may be sent to the above address.
Cards may be sent to the address of French Family PO Box 622 Lake Wales, FL 33859.
