Fran Woley

Frances C. Woley, known to all as Granny Franny, a true beacon of love, laughter, and resilience, peacefully left this world on January 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Frances had a wonderful personality, weaving magic into the mundane with every person she encountered. Whether recounting her childhood escapades, her journey through motherhood, or her grandchildren in later years, her stories were always sprinkled with humor, wisdom, and a touch of mischief.

Born on July 20, 1942, in Rockford Illinois, Frances grew up in Southern Illinois, surrounded by the gentle rhythms of small-town life, where kindness was currency, and family was everything. From a young age of 10, she radiated love and generosity by caring for her 3 younger siblings. She cared about the world and a deep love for people, always finding ways to brighten someone’s day.

As a young woman at Centralia High School, Frances met the love of her life, Gerald Bob. They married June 17, 1961, and together they built a home filled with laughter and love. She was the heart of the family, guiding with patience and nurturing with an unyielding devotion. Her sons Chris, Chad, and Jarrod, remembers her as a mother who could turn even the simplest moments into treasured memories-afternoons baking cakes and cookies, Dinner promptly at 5:30, evenings reading stories and raising and caring for her boys, while making a house a loving home.

Frances was an artist in the kitchen, loved cleaning her house with absolute perfection and a friend to anyone who crossed her path. Her door was always open, her table always set for one more, and her heart always ready to welcome. To her grandchildren, she was a warm hug, a mischievous wink, and the keeper of a treasure trove of bedtime tales.

In her later years, Frances found joy on quiet mornings with a cup of coffee and tending to her beloved dog Emma. She loved her Sunday morning service at New Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Sunday afternoons were spent cheering on her favorite Nascar race team. She never stopped caring, doing for others, and believing in the goodness of the world, a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Though her presence and laughter will be deeply missed, Frances’s love and light will continue to shine through her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the lives she touched, and the countless stories she shared.

Frances is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gerald Bob; three sons, Chris, Chad (Kym), and Jarrod; four grandsons, Austin (Haley), Hunter (Emily), Landon (Harley), and Mason; two great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Hattie Jo.

She is reunited in peace with those who went before her, including Billye Cox, Kenneth Cox and Lillian Woley.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the celebration service of 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the funeral home.

In honor of her generous spirit, the family requests donations to St Jude’s Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Shriner's Hospital, 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington, KY 40508 and Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, as a reflection of the love Frances carried for these precious organizations.

Frances’ story was one of love, strength, and endless nurturing. Her chapter may have closed, but her story will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to be a part of it.

Until we meet again Granny Franny.

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