Mabel Mullins France

Mabel Mullins France, 97, of Ferrum, Va., passed away Monday, March 2, 2009. She was born November 12, 1911, a daughter of the late Henry J. and Mollie Ruth Bowling Mullins. She was valedictorian of the 1933 graduating class of Ferrum College, lifetime member of Story Creek Baptist Church and Patrick Henry Allied Families of Virginia Honoree. She was a Girl Scout leader and school teacher. Her interest in the history of Franklin County prompted her to write several books. Mrs. France was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Eddie R. France; four sisters; and two brothers. She is survived by nieces, Elaine and Cecil Handy, of Floyd, and Judy and W.P. Johnson Sr., of Moneta; greatnieces, Molly and Mark Thomas, of Chatham, Susan Handy, of Floyd, and Julie Johnson, of Mineral Wells, W.Va.; great-nephew, W.P. Johnson Jr., of Moneta; and great-great-nieces, Virginia Thomas, of Blacksburg, and Katherine Thomas, of Charlottesville. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2009, from Story Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Floyd Harrison officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount, Va.