Frances spent her childhood years in Glenwood and received her secondary education at North Avenue Presbyterian School (later The Westminster Schools) in Atlanta before attending and graduating from Wesleyan College in Macon. Frances then joined her sisters and mother in Savannah where her father had maintained business offices. There, in a Hollywood-style meeting in the elevator where both of their mothers lived, Frances met her husband of 55 years, Frank. They married at Wesley Monumental Methodist Church in Savannah then briefly lived in Norfolk, VA, and Jacksonville, FL, until Frank retired from the railroad and they moved into the Winship Estate in Lumber City. Soon thereafter, Frances and Frank settled nearby in Vidalia where they raised their family and became pillars of the church and community.
Frances was a devout Christian, a dedicated wife, and a profoundly joyful, loving mother. Her generosity of spirit, her grace, and her humor were her trademarks. She spread joy to all around her. She was a disciplined student and teacher of the Bible who committed volumes of cherished verses to memory. She and Frank were especially influential in founding the local chapter of The Salvation Army and growing the charitable reach of the First United Methodist Church.
Frances leaves us with a legacy of love in its purest form. As her dementia deepened, the love in her heart shone increasingly brightly. In her later years, upon meeting a new person, she would reach out with her signature smile and twinkling wink, perhaps give a gentle, playful tap or tickle, or simply pull them close. Her love was unconditional and non-negotiable. Everyone who came upon Frances received a blessing. Her spirit of gratitude, her special brand of subtle humor, her abiding faith, and her unfailing positivity will echo through the ages. Frances lifted everyone around her. That was her gift to us all.
Frances is survived by her daughters, Linda Moore, Cynthia Moore, and Shā Simon; her son-in-law, Dan Simon; her grandchildren Quinn, Carrie, and Rachel; her nephews; and her brand new great granddaughter, Louise Simon, who brought light and renewed joy in Frances’ final days.
Frances spent her final years in the hands-on care of her loving team of caregivers expertly led by Dana Booth and including Adrinne Booth, Deneciya Neal, Debbie Smith, Alice Black and the staff of The Fountains. Each of these women became dear to her and are very much members of the family of her heart.
Graveside services will be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery in Glenwood, GA, with Rev. David Blalock officiating.
Donations may be made to The Salvation Army of Vidalia.
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