Frances Aldridge

     Frances Irene Brandon Aldridge, age 93, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, with her daughters, Linda and Libby, by her side.

     Frances was born June 27, 1930, in Clover, S.C., to Earl Price Brandon and Janie Irene (Barnes) Brandon. After her mother’s death when she was less than two years of age, and until her father’s remarriage to Mollie Ramsey, she was cared for by her six older brothers. At age six, she moved with her family to Banner Elk, North Carolina, and she would always say that she grew up in the most beautiful place in the world. It was here that she obtained an associate degree from Lees-McCrae College and met and married her husband, Owen Washington Aldridge, to whom she was married for almost fifty years before he preceded her in death.

     Frances devoted her life to God, her family, and her community. She never voiced an unkind word against anyone, and if you were her family or friend, she loved you deeply and would be your staunchest supporter. Her heart was broken when her son, Albert, preceded her death, but her daughters, Linda Fincher and Libby (Terry Gallion) are left to cherish both of their memories. She is survived by four grandchildren, Sandy (Tracey) Meyer, Todd (Jennifer) Fincher, Becky (Forrest) Wise, and Jacob Gallion. She also has ten great grandchildren who were so fortunate to have their Mamaw be a huge part of their lives, Ty, Anna-Cater and Claire Frances Meyer, Owen, Ruby and Charley Fincher, Aiden Gallion, and Rosalyn, Forrest III, and Magnus Wise.

     Frances was a member of Bridgewater Presbyterian Church for many years and served as the church pianist. She used her years of music lessons in complete service to God’s work. In the last few years of her life, it was a pleasure for her to have joined Nebo First Baptist Church and worship with the congregation there. In addition to her religious family, Frances cared deeply for the children and educators at Nebo Elementary School where she both volunteered and later worked as a tutor.

     In the hours preceding her death, Frances voiced that the joys of her final years were having her daughter, Linda, live with and care for her, and living long enough to experience time with her great grandchildren. We will all miss what we have been able to experience in Frances’ presence- acceptance, gentleness, and absolute, unfailing love.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 6, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Nebo. Rev. Doug Worley will officiate. Interment will follow at Smith Community Cemetery in Banner Elk. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Nebo; or to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.