Frances “Fran” Jeanette Thornton Finch was born in West Point, VA October 15, 1928 and left this world peacefully October 22, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. Daughter of Milton Caspian and Julia Smith Thornton; sister of William and Edward Thornton; wife of Ted Ogden Finch; beloved mother of Gregory Finch, Paula Finch Hollowell, and Brian Finch; treasured grandmother of Whitney Hollowell and Justin, Christopher, Kaitlyn, and Lauren Finch; great-grandmother-to-be of Seth Finch; and mother-in-law of John Hollowell and Deborah (Denise) Wharry Finch, Fran graced the world with her faith, love, kindness, and gentle humor. Following studies at Lynchburg College, Fran moved to the west coast and began a career in the legal profession. While writing letters to keep up the spirits of servicemen during the war, Fran met and ultimately married her husband, Ted, and moved to San Francisco and later Pasadena TX. With justice, fair play, delicious humor, and a determination and passion for the underdog, Fran impacted the lives of all she met. As one without enemy or “a single mean bone in her body”, Fran delighted in having fun whether playing the piano, dancing as a USO hostess, playing basketball, listening to Lawrence Welk, singing hymns, or traveling across the country with family. Her faith was deep, understated, and practical with her communities at Church of the Open Door, First Baptist Church of Golden Acres, and South Main Baptist Church. She loved with action as she prepared meals for those with need, welcomed the unexpected guest, and invited stray students for a holiday meal. Even as she cognitively declined, Fran delighted in helping mentally handicapped individuals wrap silverware for the table. Fran’s legacy lives on in those who learned her abiding values, humor, and determination to live well and rightly in the world. When you appreciate beauty, laughter in the moment, and compassion on behalf of the underserved, you are remembering “Miss Fran.” In lieu of flowers, donations to a favorite charity or the USO would honor her memory. Considering the legacy of Frances Jeanette Thornton Finch, take a moment of compassion for yourself and then make the world a better place. Join family and friends Tuesday October 27, 2015 for conversation at 12:45PM and a service of remembrance at 2:00PM at South Main Baptist Church 4300 E. Sam Houston Pkwy S., Pasadena TX with interment at Houston National Cemetery the following day.
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