Mary Thacker

Born November 24, 1946 in Northern Virginia, Mary Frances was the daughter of Ernest Eller Pratt, Sr. (auto mechanic and sales) from southern Virginia, and Helen Clare Tulloss Pratt of Baltimore, Maryland (former U.S. Navy Wave-and later Avon Cosmetics Co.) A resident of Charlottesville Health and Rehab, Mary Frances embraced her abundant faith through Bible study groups. She passed away surrounded by her close family at the Martha Jefferson Hospital March 12, 2026.

Frances, as she was known during childhood, enjoyed family trips in the late 1940s and throughout the 1950s to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic beaches as well as visits to Baltimore relatives. After the family moved to Virginia in 1960, she would graduate Fairfax Senior High School, marry David Short (U.S. Army mechanic), and move to Heidelberg, Germany where David, Jr. was born. On returning to the United States, their second son, Darrin, was born. Mary, as she was known during most of her adult years, lived in many places throughout central Virginia including Stafford, Louisa, Greene and Charlottesville. Dedicated to her faith, Mary served as a part of several churches including Ruckersville Baptist Church and Albemarle Baptist Church.

An avid reader and writer, Mary enjoyed sending cards and journaling to record daily events and including a short prayer of thanksgiving. Mary did her best to help support the postal system and the greeting card industry! She kept careful track of the birthdays and anniversaries of family and friends through the years. Anyone who had made Mary’s card list could always count on hearing from her on their special days. She also found joy in watching wildlife, and especially enjoyed the bird feeder outside her window.

Mary Frances is preceded in death by her parents and her stepmother, Rebecca Hawse Pratt. She is survived by her sons David Short and Darrin Short (Rachel); siblings Bob Pratt (Bridget), Gale Foy and Ernie Pratt (Kitty); granddaughters Amanda, Allison, Lainey and Cheyanne and great-grandchildren, Patrick and Catherine.

A graveside service will be held at Park Lawn Memorial Park in Rockville, Maryland at a later date to be announced.