Mary Frances Fannon

1937 - 2025

Beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary Frances Fannon, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday, January 31st, 2025.

Mary Frances was born in Washington, D.C. on January 22, 1937, daughter of the late Huert Quinton Tucker and Mary Elizabeth Carpenter Tucker. She spent her childhood in Arlington, Virginia and graduated from Washington & Lee High School in 1955. She attended the University of Nevada in Reno, spending her summers working in Cape Cod. After college, she went on to work on Capitol Hill for Senator Young of Ohio, where she met her future husband, Bill Fannon.

She married Chester William Fannon, Jr., "Bill" on August 27, 1960. They had three children: Chet, Beth and Heather, and raised their family in Rappahannock County on Laurel Hill Farm, the family home.

Mary Frances restored, owned and ran Laurel Mills Store in Castleton, VA - a classic country store. Other than raising her children, her most treasured time was spent there with the people of our community. In time, it became a social hub, drawing people from across the country and further.

Known for her kindness and excellent sense of humor, she was sophisticated and welcoming to all. She was a consummate hostess and together with Bill, was known for entertaining graciously with great food and conversation.

The center of Mary Frances' life was always her children, their spouses, ger grandchildren and great grandkids, along with her brothers, nephews and nieces - in a word, family. She lovingly cherished family times together: annual family beach trips, frequent family dinners, pool parties, birthday dinners and holidays on the farm.

In addition to her parents, Mary Frances was predeceased by her husband, Bill Fannon; her brothers, Hubie, Joe and Billy; and her son, Chet - Chester William Fannon, III. She is survived by her daughters: Elizabeth Swindler (Jimmy) and Heather Young (Daron); daughter-in-law, Kate Armfield Fannon; her grandchildren, Trey Swindler, Addie Swindler Cheatwood (Marshall), Kingsley & Chester Fannon, Ellie & Claire Young; her great-grandchildren, Etta Rose & Beverly Frances Cheatwood; and her nieces and nephews.

The Fannon family will host family and friends for a visitation on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Castleton Community Volunteer Fire Company or the Amissville Volunteer Fire Company in remembrance of Mary Frances Tucker Fannon.

Online condolences may be expressed at moserfuneralhome.com.