Mary Frances Bransford

She was born to Joseph H. & Mildred D. Stevenson in Tampa, FL but grew up in the community of Brandon, FL, graduating from Brandon High School in 1957. From there she went on to graduate from the University of Tampa with a Degree in Education. She was an 8th grade English teacher at Mann Jr. High School for 8 years, then obtaining her master's degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of South FL. She served as a Guidance Counselor for 27 years. She spent her entire 35-year career with Hillsborough County School System at the same school where she also interned when graduating from the University of Tampa -- a rarity for a teacher to stay at the same school for their entire career.

Upon her retirement, she & her husband, Jim Bransford, enjoyed traveling to wonderful places, seeing & doing many things most people only dream of. Her husband, having his own successful business, and she were able to spend memorable time at their North Carolina condo for 35 years, take trips to Egypt Temple Shriners, and various insurance company trips to many different cities and countries. They also followed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl, London & many other games as Charter Buccaneer fans since 1976. Also, Florida Gator fans, for over 30 years they followed the Gators to many games including the National Championship a few years back.

Mary Frances was a 25-year volunteer from 1998 with the FL State Fair Cracker Country where she led children on tours around the Cracker Country Village. As a 6th generation Floridan, she was well versed in the history of our area and was admired for her sweet nature and amazing teaching skills. She was also involved in many social & civic organizations, such as Tampa GEM Sertoma, Temple Terrace Woman's Club, Ladies of the Crown social club, had been a very active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Education Sorority, and a charter member of the Helen Dean Circle for Women at the Temple Terrace United Methodist Church that she attended for over 30 years.

Having not been blessed with children, she and her husband enjoyed building & living in three homes along with the 5 different Cocker Spaniels they loved & treated like children during their 56 years together. She is survived by her husband, Jim, & sister-in-law Pauline B. Crumpton, several cousins and their 5th Cocker Spaniel -- Toby.

Funeral Services will be held at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church, 420 Bullard Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, on the 30th of November 2024 starting at 11:00 A.M. with a reception/luncheon after the service and then entombment will follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Pall bearers for Mary Frances will be members of The Tampa East Sertoma Club, a Charitable Service club that her husband is an active member of.

Flowers are accepted; however, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.