Mary Frances Elkins

FRAN ELKINS Mary Frances (Fran) Shepherd Elkins, 82, of 7 Boris Street, Asheville, died Saturday, April 22, 2006. Mrs. Elkins was born in Buncombe County and was a daughter of the late Luther and Bessie Rice Shepherd. She was married to Harvey G. Elkins, who died March 21, 2006, and was also preceded in death by her sons, Neal R. “Skip” White and Nicholas White, a sister, Ruth Grant, and a brother, James Shepherd. Mrs. Elkins was a 1940 graduate of Biltmore High School and was a member of the Eastern Star, the BPOE Does, and various other organizations. She worked hard all her life and was a dedicated wife, devoting herself to Harvey’s care in his final years. Surviving are her two grandchildren, Neal White of Waxahachie, TX and Ruth Ellen Watford of Cayce, SC; four great-grandchildren, Zakk, Alex, and Emily White and Josie Watford; her daughter-in-law, Judy White of Columbia, SC; a sister-in-law, Bernydene Shepherd, and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert E. Harris officiating. Burial will be at Green Hills Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.