Mary Frances (Allison) Albertson

November 20, 1920 ~ January 18, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Mary Frances (Allison) Albertson was born on November 20, 1920 to Flora May (McGuinn) Allison and Carr Mark Allison, Sr. Just days before Frances’ birth, Flora May wrapped a coat around her growing stomach and walked to the polls to exercise her right to vote for the first time. So began Frances’ path as a strong and independent woman.
Frances grew up in Detroit during the Great Depression, where her parents were extremely resourceful, and Frances excelled in art. When she was in high school, the family moved to Miami, FL, where she caught the affection of a handsome math tutor, named Andrew Albertson. They married when Frances graduated, and she immediately began work as an artist on one of the first animated movies, Gulliver’s Travels. In 1940, she and Andrew welcomed a cherished son, Robert, with her striking blue eyes. In 1944, their beautiful daughter, Cheryl, was born.
The whole family was active in the church, where Frances taught Sunday school and made flower arrangements for church events. Frances had such talent that the minister encouraged her to start a business, which was uncommon in the 1950s, but she did it anyway. Her florist shop specialized in weddings and took off right away, winning many awards. The whole family worked to make and deliver arrangements for up to 7 weddings in a single day. Along with Andrew’s career at Eastern Airlines, this helped put both their children through college. Her love of flowers and gardening continued throughout her life.
Frances was a born helper. She was fiercely devoted to family, documenting its history in writing, planning reunions, and caring for both her husband and brother for several years as their health declined. She also cared for and nurtured relationships with friends and neighbors who developed such a close connection with Frances that they called her mom, sister, or grandma. For decades, even the neighborhood animals would flock to her home, where they could be sure to find a snack or warm space to hide from the cold. She loved all people and all creatures.
The deep connections that Frances created with others, was due in part to her courage in speaking her mind. She never shied away from sharing what was on her heart. She spoke out against injustice and held firm to her beliefs but never stopped loving those who disagreed with her. She was the example of unity (dignity, honesty, and humility), which our world so desperately needs.
At 104 years old, Frances stepped into the most beautiful, eternal garden on January 18, 2025. She was in her home, surrounded by family and friends who still love her dearly. Frances will be missed by her daughter, Cheryl Sue (Albertson) Rukstele; son, Robert Andrew Albertson; grandchildren, Andy Albertson, Robert Albertson, and Christina (Rukstele) Reames; and seven great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at an on-site reception immediately after the service. Thereafter, a burial will proceed at 2:00 p.m. at Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery (365 Hwy 9 N., Mill Spring, NC).
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Habitat for Humanity (www.habitat.org) or Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (www.abccm.org).
Services
Funeral Service: February 1, 2025 10:00 am
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
Burial: February 1, 2025 2:00 pm
Cane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery
365 Hwy 9 N.
Mill Spring, NC 28756
Such a beautiful lady. She amazed me with her memory and insightful conversations.
I will carry on her legacy to know and love our family’s heritage.
Love, Christy McGuinn Thompson
We were friends with Frances through our mutual church, Providence Baptist in Hendersonville NC. She was a delightful soul and we enjoyed visiting with her. We remember fondly the joyful afternoon in 2018 or 2019 when a group of us sang carols in her living room and bedroom to the accompaniment of her pump organs played by Michael Sebastian. We also appreciated the many cards sent us, some on behalf of the church and others on her own behalf. Anne and Jim Green Savannah GA
I will always love U and our friendship we shared for many years
Earlene and myself will miss our visits