Frances Jones Riley
October 18, 1917 ~ September 1, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Frances Jones Riley, 98, passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the WNC Baptist Home.
Mrs. Riley was born in Buncombe County to the late George and Julia Johnson Jones. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank W. Riley; a sister, Vaughtie Hall and two brothers, Reuel Jones and Harrison Jones.
Frances was employed with Southern Bell Phone Company and retired in 1983. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Janice Hall; four grandchildren, Bryan (Waranya), David, Kevin (Elizabeth) and Kenneth; seven great grandchildren, Austin, Mark, Seth, Grant, Jacob, Victoria and Nathan Hall and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Mrs. Riley will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road in Arden from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. A private graveside service will follow the visitation at 3:30 at Lewis Memorial Park in Asheville.
Flowers are appreciated or memorial donations may be made to the WNC Baptist Home, 213 Richmond Hill Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is serving the family.
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Always sad to hear of a passing, but She led a long life. It’s been years since I have seen her, since we live out west, but I will always have fond memories of out times together when I was growing up. My favorite memory was the standing ‘pun’ between her and my mother, Jessie, that if you needed to get a communication out, you used either the ‘Telephone, Telegraph or Tell Francis!’.
Rest easy, Francis.
Worked with Frances at Ma. Bell for many years. It was always a delight being around her she brought sunshine to the room. She will be missed.
Sorry we won’t be able to attend the memorial service – just too far away for travel at this time. Frances was a special aunt and I loved her lots. Larry always enjoyed our visits with her, too — I can hear her laughing at some silly thing he said. She and Mom always seemed more friends than in-laws. Those ‘perm’ sessions were always a hoot – I think they used them as excuses to get together more often. Thinking of you and your boys and hope that good memories will help you through the days ahead. Love you, cousin.
I was so sad to hear of Frances’ passing. Such a sweet lady! She was one of my mother’s (Hazel Carson) dearest friends. My childhood is filled with such fond memories of their many gatherings — from cookouts, Christmas parties, and Mom inviting Aunt Frances (that’s what I called her) over just to have cake, coffee, and laughter.
Many years ago, while watching American Bandstand during a snowstorm, I saw a ‘haircut’ I just ‘had to have!’ Mom said she couldn’t get out in the storm, but Frances agreed to cut my hair if I walked over to her house. I did – and Aunt Frances gave me such a fantastic haircut! She was just that kind of sweet person – I know why my Mom so enjoyed her company. Now they can both visit again in heaven, catch up on the past years, and have plenty of laughter.
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love and God’s blessings.
Janice, I have missed you so much the past few years. I remember with great fondness our friendship during your years at FBC Weaverville and also as a student at Mars Hill. You, of course, were one of the brightest I ever taught. I was sorry to read of your mother’s passing, but glad she lived such a long, full life during which she was well cared for by a loving daughter. Take comfort in that knowledge. Give my love to the twins. Betty Hughes