Frances Bruce Van Horn

Frances Bruce Van Horn, 91, died of heart and lung complications on April 17, 2023 at Zebulon Park Health & Rehabilitation in Macon, GA. Frances was born February 3, 1932 at her childhood home on Wesleyan Drive in Macon, the daughter of David Frank and Hattie Ruth (Swan) Bruce.

Frances graduated from A.L. Miller High School in 1949 and from Wesleyan College in 1953. Following graduation, she taught third grade at Ellsworth Hall Elementary School for 2 years and Heard Elementary School for 3 years. Thereafter, she enjoyed an exciting and fulfilling 30-year career at Wesleyan College where she served as the Director of Alumnae from 1969-1987 and the Director of Campus and Community Events from 1987-1999. After her retirement, she was recognized for her devotion and tireless contributions to Wesleyan over the decades when she received the “Distinguished Service to Wesleyan” Award in 2001.

Frances was an active member of the Martha Bowman United Methodist Church since 1954. She served in many administrative board positions with the church, the Nan Freeman Sunday School Class, the United Methodist Women (UMW), and the Roberta Gardiner Circle. She also served as past President of the Howard Community Club, the Macon Service League, the Colaparchee Garden Club and the local chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.).

Frances married Richard Dean (Dick) Van Horn in February 1953 and enjoyed 51 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in November 2004.

In addition to his passing, Frances was predeceased by her parents, David Frank and Hattie Ruth (Swan) Bruce; her sisters Martha Bruce Irwin (Brunswick, GA) and Harriett Bruce Neubauer (Macon, GA); her daughters Ruth Van Horn, Miriam Van Horn and Tracy Van Horn Strickland all of Macon, GA; her grandson, Daniel Strickland (Macon, GA) and nephew David Hodgson (St. Joseph, MI).

Survivors include a sister, Shirley Bruce Moon of Columbus, GA; daughters, Lauri Van Horn (Spokane, WA) and Cris Van Horn (Paint Rock, TN); grandchildren; Angela Windham (Michelle) of Macon, GA, Tasha Strickland Christian (Stanley) of Byron, GA, Jessica Windham Metz and Jeffrey Windham of Spokane, WA, and Taylor Garrett of Griffin, GA; great grandchildren; Harlee Miller (Hunter) of Chambersburg, PA, Brandon and Alex Christian of Byron, GA, and Jaden Metz of Spokane, WA; great great grandchildren; Bentley, Ella, Cohen, Cayde and Hayes Miller of Chambersburg, PA; nieces; Joanne Hodgson of St. Joseph, MI and Melinda Moon Ward (Ron) of Columbus, GA; and nephews; Stephen Van Horn (Janis) of Glenwood, GA, Mike Van Horn of St. Mary’s, GA, Paul Hollis (Sandy) of Austell, GA, Mark Hollis (Kathy) of Macon, GA, Mark Irwin of Avon Park, FL, Paul Irwin of Brunswick, GA and David Neubauer (Brandy) of Macon, GA; and her best friends/unbiological sisters; Bonnie Herin and Joan Strozier of Macon, GA.

A service will be held on April 21, 2023 at the Martha Bowman United Methodist Church, 500 Bass Road, Macon, GA. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Mark Magoni and Rev. Fran Magoni officiating. Private Interment will follow the service at the Macon Memorial Park Cemetery;

Those who wish to remember Frances in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Wesleyan College, 4760 Road, Macon, Georgia, 31210 or the Martha Bowman United Methodist Church, 500 Bass Road, Macon, GA 31210.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Funerals and Cremations @ Macon Memorial Park has charge of arrangements.