Mary Frances Mitchner

Mary Frances Mitchner was born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 6, 1954, to loving parents Esther and James Mitchner (deceased).  From a young age she was a highly intelligent and wise avid reader. She always enjoyed an intellectual conversation where she could exchange her thoughts and ideas.

As a youth she attended Sarah J. Baker Elementary school, Solomon Lewenberg Junior high and Jerimiah E. Burke high school where she graduated as Class Valedictorian.  Her love for language and the written word continued; and after graduation from the “Jerry” she studied Literature and at Cornell University and received her Bachelor of Arts in 1976.

She had a love for her community, especially when it came to children and their education and development. She worked for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. She taught school In Houston Texas and had desire to continue advocating for education when she worked for the Boston Public School system.

As the doting Auntie to 6 wonderful and talented nephews, two nieces, a grandnephew and two precious grandnieces. “Auntie Mary”, as she was affectionately called, spent many hours discussing everything from their future -plans, how they perceived the world but more important how the world may perceive them. She talked about her travels to Africa and her favorite Harry Potter novels and movies.  She enjoyed watching them grow and took pride in their accomplishments.

Mary Frances pledged the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and her line of sisters joined the Boston Alumnae chapter in 1983. She was proud of her beloved Red and White Delta colors. And hoped her nieces would follow suit.  She was a fan of Old School soul music and Funk-Jazz; especially Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin the Blue Notes but Luther Vandross was her favorite.  She enjoyed attending numerous “Luther” concerts with very good friends throughout the northeast. 

She never let go of her thirst for knowledge and writing. While living in Washington D.C she became the author of the initial brochure for the Points of Light Foundation.  In 1989 she received her Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard University. 

In her later years, she was care giver to our mother whom she affectionately referred to as "Mother".

Together they enjoyed morning breakfasts, binge watching TV series and New Year’s Eve with Mary Frances’ famous black eyed peas.

Mary Frances is preceded in death by her father James Mitchner, brothers James Jr. and Edward, sister in-law Shauna.  

Mary Frances leaves her loving mother Esther E. Mitchner, sisters Sandra, Carol, Davola and Kimberly, brother Maurice, sisters in-law Pamela and Farida, brother-in-law Tommie; nephews: James, Christopher, Ryaad, Justin, Tyrell, and Rashad; nieces: Shari and Lucretia; great nephew: Jaiden and great nieces: Delilah, Lillian.

Mary Frances will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her now that her light shines above.  

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