Frances T. Fitzgerald

Frances Sue Tharp Fitzgerald, 99, widow of Loyd Forrest Fitzgerald, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Staunton Post Acute and Rehabilitation Center in Staunton. 

Frances was born on October 26, 1925 in Craigsville to the late Percy Edward and Mary Margaret Sandy Tharp.

Frances dedicated her life to her late husband Loyd, her three children, and her Pekingese dog babies. She was a source of unconditional love and support, guiding her family with wisdom and grace. She delighted in her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother. 

Frances was known not only for her devotion to family but also for her tireless work within her church and local community. For a time in her life, her family moved to South Carolina where she served as the PTA chairman. She loved her church and was actively involved in various church activities, serving in many different roles and always seeking ways to uplift and support those around her. A particularly touching act of service was her steadfast commitment to ensuring that those who wanted to vote had the means to do so, reflecting her deep care for civic duty and community service.

Frances had an eye for fashion and maintained her style throughout her life, evident in her immaculate appearance. Each holiday season, Frances made it a priority to create beautiful Christmas celebrations, embodying the spirit of joy and togetherness. She often wore a pin that captured her belief, stating, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season," a simple yet profound reminder of her faith.

Frances is survived by her son, Buck Fitzgerald; her daughter, Priscilla "Sissy" Diane (Fitzgerald) Hundley; her granddaughters, Michelle Lawson and Kristy Gilliam; her grandsons, Robert Hundley and Joseph Hundley; her great-granddaughter, Taylor Mayz; her great-grandson, Zach Lawson; her great-great-grandson, Rowan Mayz; and her great-great-granddaughter, Aria Andrews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Glenn Wallace Fitzgerald; her brothers, Willie Lee Tharp and Robert Marshall Tharp; and her great-granddaughter, Sarah Towler.

We are thankful that we had her as our Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt and Friend. Thank you Jesus. We want to thank all of her caretakers at Envoy - what a blessing all of you were.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home with Danny Pritchett officiating. 

Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial donations be made to Shenandoah Valley Animal Services (1001 Mount Torrey Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952).