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BORN
1930
DIED
2018
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Frances Williams Obituary
Louisville - Frances (Fran) Irene Finley Williams, 87, passed away peacefully at home on November 21, 2018. Fran was born in Cookeville, TN, on November 30, 1930, to the late Frank Lee Finley and Myrtle Ann (Deck) Finley. She married the love of her life, Bruce H. Williams, who survives her, on May 29th, 1949, and was a wonderful mother to Arthur (Art) Lee Williams (Noel Rueff) and Catherine (Cathy) Ann Williams Duff, who also survive her. She adored her five grandchildren, Sydne (Stone) Goodier (Dan), Benjamin Rueff Williams (Sarah), Caroline (Stone) Waldner (Mitch), Emily Claire Williams (Charlie, June, 2019) and Laura (Stone) Cole (Jeremy), and her eight great grandchildren, William Chase Goodier, Blake Stone Goodier, Claire Isabel Goodier, Lucy Ann Waldner, Rosemary Catherine Cole, Cullen Rueff Williams, Bruce Michael Waldner, and Vivienne Frances Cole, who all survive her. Her sisters, Eunetta (Finley) Jenkins and Ann (Finley) Fields also survive her.
Fran was a member of the Keystone Sunday School Class at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an avid bridge player who always played to win, a passionate Democrat, a lover of dancing, fashion, babies, flowers, birds, dogs and cats, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson, and did not suffer fools gladly. She was a die hard Louisville fan, loved thoroughbred racing and the occasional side bet, was a voracious reader, had an amazing memory and a passion to know everything about everything, all the time. She lovingly made and displayed dozens of photo albums, capturing the history of her family, who all called her Nana.
Visitation and a memorial service will be held at St. Matthews United Methodist Church on Friday, December 28th, 2018, with visitation from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM in the Upper Colonnade, with the service immediately following at 12:00 PM in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the American Lung Association, or the Fecal Transplant Foundation. Please note that Frances requested and the family will honor the following dress code for both the visitation and service: no blue jeans, shorts, flip flops or tennis shoes. Frances will be forever loved, missed, and remembered by those who loved her.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frances Williams
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
5 Entries
Darlene Renner
January 18, 2019
While I did not know this beautiful soul, I think she and I would have gotten on swimmingly. She has left quite a legacy to her family. Blessing from Indiana
Jan Tart
January 17, 2019
I wish I had known her. She sounds like a truly caring and loving woman who was not afraid to get in to "good" trouble. She reminds me of my mom who passed in 2016. Something about that generation of women makes them strong and formidable. I hope I can set half the example to my daughters Mrs. Williams and my mama set for their children.
Rhonda Coffey
January 17, 2019
I've had the privilege and honor to live next door to Frances for 14 years. What a grand southern lady she was. I will miss talking to her about everything from family to politics. RIP lovely lady.
January 17, 2019
I wish that I had known Mrs. Williams. It's clear she was a blessing on this earth and about the best role model that I've come across in some time. May her family and friends be comforted by the knowledge that Fran is still making a difference in the world today.
Teresa McK
January 16, 2019
I did not know Mrs. Finley Williams, but she sure sounds like a great lady, much like the mother I lost in 2011. My sincere condolences to her family, and my thanks and respect for speaking out about the suppression of your free speech in posting her obituary.
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