Mary Frances Gaskin

Mary Frances Gaskin, 83, of Wilmington, NC, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 2, 2025. She was born in Nichols, SC on December 29, 1941, to Joe McDaniels and Edna Earle McDaniels.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandson Brent Erue Gaskin and loving brothers and sisters.

Mary was a devoted “Sister in Christ” and the kindest soul anyone could ever meet. Her ‘spunky’ personality, grace and unwavering faith touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Lovingly known as “Sister Frances,” “Mama Fran,” “Granny Shark,” “Aunt Frances,” and the BEST grandma in the world. She lived her life selflessly in service to others; always ready with the perfect scripture and faith filled testimony to share, a warm hug, prayer or a home-cooked meal of chicken and pastry. Her family was her whole heart, and she filled their lives with love, laughter and joy beyond measure.

Mary Frances dedicated 28 years to the New Hanover County Government as Assistant Tax Listing Supervisor where she retired to spend time with her grandchildren. She was a member of American Business Women’s Association and dedicated many years as a Sunday School Teacher and Head Librarian at her church Apostolic Tabernacle. One of her favorite past times was attending the Wilmington Sharks baseball games where she was nick-named “Granny Shark.”

She is survived by her beloved husband Lavern Gaskin, cherished daughter LaVonda Gaskin Howard of Wilmington and son Edward Erue Gaskin and wife Bonnie of Forrest City. Mary was blessed with many treasured grandchildren, all of whom will carry her love and wisdom forever: Angel Cribb, Grant Gaskin, Taylor Gaskin, Brooke Howard, Trevor Howard, great-grandson Bretton Gaskin and grand-dog Presley. Mary has two sisters: Faye Wright and husband Lloyd and Sandra Fipps and two brothers: Johnnie McDaniels and wife Karen and Mutt McDaniels and wife Betty. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends including her dearest friend of over 50 years, Dorothy Sampson.

Her words still echo in our hearts: “I love you 40 million hundred pecks”

We love you too, Grandma!

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 5pm to 7pm at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park: 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12pm at Apostolic Tabernacle: 712 Wellington Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401 with Pastor Evan Grizzle officiating. Interment will follow immediately after at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Apostolic Tabernacle https://www.atwilmington.com/give or Lower Cape Fear Lifecare https://lifecare.org/donate/

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com