After a full and remarkable life, Frances Webster Harrington, 95, passed away September 20, 2023 at McWhorter Hospice House of Union County in Monroe. Frances was born on Hickory Mountain in rural Chatham County (Pittsboro), North Carolina on January 2, 1928. The day of her birth was such an extremely cold day that her uncle often recalled that the tires of the family vehicle froze to the ground. Frances grew up on a dairy farm as the second of three children and the only daughter of Lacy D. Webster & Annie Johnson Webster. Frances excelled in school and graduated from Pittsboro High School as a member of the class of 1945. She was the first female student school bus driver in Chatham County. She was proud of her Chatham County heritage and collected dirt from her beloved Chatham County which will soon be added to her burial site in Peachland. Frances was also a graduate of Campbell College.

On Christmas Eve, 1948, Frances married Peachland native John Wesley Harrington Sr., in Raleigh. Their love was one for the ages as they fittingly met at Love's Boarding House in Petersburg, Virginia. They were married almost 61 years when John passed away in 2009.

As a young married couple, Frances and John grew accustomed to frequent moves throughout John's career with Seaboard Air Line Railroad (later CSX Transportation). During their marriage, they lived in Richmond, Virginia (on three separate occasions), Abbeville, South Carolina, Jacksonville, Florida and then eventually Peachland. Frances worked as a schoolteacher and for several United Methodist churches.

Frances was a devoted mother to her three children and was active in her children's lives supporting their educational, sports, musical, theater and church endeavors. She was the mother that her children's teachers could count on to make two dozen cupcakes at a moment's notice. She was a dedicated grade mom for many years and even served as the president of the PTA. Frances instilled in her children the importance of an education and was proud of her children's school and collegiate accomplishments and subsequently their successes in their chosen careers.

In retirement, Frances traveled with John and her brother and sister-in-law to many states in the United States. A favorite European trip was when she visited London and toured the English countryside with her daughter Gloria when she was 90 years old.

She loved the NC mountains especially Haywood County where she spent much time in Maggie Valley enjoying Gloria and Dan's mountain home. Lake Junaluska was another special place to her.

Frances was well-read, politically astute and respected in her church for her vast knowledge of United Methodist history, doctrine and polity.

She was an active democrat and office holder on the precinct, county, district and state levels. Frances was also an active member of the NC Democratic Women. She was a past recipient of the Lt. Governor H. Pat Taylor, Jr. Award for excellence and service to the Anson County Democratic Party.

During her membership at Peachland United Methodist Church, Frances served on numerous boards and committees and was an active member of the T.A. Graham Sunday School Class and the Lucy Bryant Circle. At the time of her death, she was her church membership secretary.

Frances' cooking was second to none. During her marriage, she made her delicious homemade biscuits almost every night because they were a favorite of John's. She was an exemplary hostess to all who were lucky enough to dine at her table or spend a night in her home. Her children and grandchildren have fond memories of the many different kinds of Christmas cookies and cakes she lovingly made every year for them to enjoy.

Frances believed in the Golden Rule and good manners, loved anything chocolate and her most favorite times were those spent with her family. Frances was an extraordinary woman who fused her life with both traditional values and contemporary thinking. She was a traditional homemaker who canned vegetables every summer from John's abundant garden and made pie crusts from scratch. She was also a modern woman who carried a cell phone until her death (even using it from her hospice bed) and one who cared deeply about the rights of women and all of God's people in need.

Frances was predeceased by her husband, John Wesley Harrington Sr., her son, the Reverend John Wesley Harrington Jr., her son-in-law, Max Clark and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Lindo (Catherine) and Lacy (Sally).

Survivors include: daughters, Janice Harrington Clark of Versailles, Kentucky and her namesake, Gloria Frances Harrington Overcash (Dan) of Peachland and daughter-in-law, Betsy Vernon Harrington of Indian Land, SC. Frances is also survived by her grandchildren, Amanda L. Harrington, M.D. (Jeremy Chauvin) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John Webster Clark (Monica) of Versailles, Kentucky and Phillips B. Harrington, M.D. (Kelly) of Tampa, Florida and her step-grandchildren, Kai Gurley of Silver Spring, Maryland and Alex (Travis) Gurley of Oakwood, Georgia. Her great grandchildren, Abigail, Brewster, Keira, Oliver and Gemma, also survive her.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Hospice of Union County for their love and care of Frances over the past two months. Their devotion to her made her final days happier and full of peace and comfort.

A memorial service to celebrate the life and faith of Frances will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 am at Peachland United Methodist Church conducted by the Reverend Luke Christy. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private.

Floral tributes are welcomed, and the preferred florist is Piedmont Flowers and Gifts in Marshville, NC.

Memorial gifts can be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28112 or to the Peachland Cemetery Association, 1642 Upper White Store Rd., Peachland, NC 28133.

In remembering Frances her family reflects on a favorite quote of hers by Mother Teresa. "At the end of our lives, we will not be judged by how many diplomas we received, how much money we made, or how many great things we have done. We will be judged by I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless and you took me in." And so, Frances lived her life with grace, dignity, humor and most of all with enormous love.

Morgan and Son Funeral Home in Marshville is in charge of arrangements.