Franklyn Love Gattis

Charlotte - Mrs. Gattis, age 86, passed away on June 22, 2013 at CMC-Mercy after a brief illness. She was born on September 16, 1926 in Charlotte, North Carolina, the youngest of three daughters of the late James Franklin and Ruby Melvin Love.

A lifelong Charlotte resident, Mrs. Gattis graduated in 1943 from Central High School and attended Women’s College (now UNC-G). During World War II she worked in Charlotte at the U.S. Department of War Assets Administration. After the war ended, she married her high-school sweetheart, Merrill, soon after his separation from service in the U.S. Navy. During the early years of marriage, and before the full-time demands of family, Mrs. Gattis assisted her mother in directing and teaching at several pre-schools founded by Mrs. Love at various Charlotte churches. In later years, she devoted over 25 years of volunteer service to the auxiliary associations of Presbyterian Hospital and the Mint Museum. She was a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and the Martha Circle.

Mrs. Gattis loved the beach and delighted in entertaining family and friends at homes in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, and later on Hilton Head Island, SC. Additionally, she proudly executed the duties of “Chief Cook & Bottle Washer” on several sailing and river barge vacations she took with friends. And for 65 years, Mrs. Gattis provided unflagging support and encouragement for her husband’s business, Colony Furniture & Interiors.

She possessed a generous and loving spirit, and was a natural people person. During more than 50 years in the same neighborhood, Franklyn cultivated generations of friends, and knew the names of most children (and their dogs) on her block-- whom she frequently hosted for visits and snacks on her front porch or back yard patio. She will be ever loved and missed by her friends and family.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Merrill L. Gattis; daughter Linda Love Gattis Shull, son-in-law Graeme H. Shull; and son Merrill Lee Gattis, Jr., all of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Love Riley and Jeanne Love Wiley.

A service in celebration of the life of Franklyn Gattis will be held at 2:00 o’clock pm on Thursday, June 27, 2013 in the Francis Chapel of Myers Park Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall. Interment will be private at Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.