Frances Givens Ashley

Frances Ann Givens Ashley, 95, entered into the presence of the Lord on November 10, 2025.

Frances was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 21, 1929, the fourth of five children to the late Lois Sharp Givens and George Givens. She resided in Memphis for much of her young life but spent her later childhood and early adulthood in Florence, Alabama with her mother, sister (Mary Virginia McCarley) and three brothers (Robert O. Givens, Thomas Givens and Billy Givens).

On a bus ride in 1949, Frances happened upon a longtime family acquaintance, William Warren Ashley (Bill). Bill's best childhood friend was married to Frances' older sister, Mary Virginia. Bill was attending dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham after serving in the Army Air Corps in Africa and India during World War II. Bill and Frances eloped December 24, 1949, and were happily married until Bill passed away in 2014.

After graduation from dental school, Bill and Frances moved to sunny Miami, Florida where they raised their two children in a loving Christian home. After retirement in 1989 they moved to Ocala, FL and also enjoyed a summer home in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina where many happy memories and friendships were made.

Frances was a wonderful, exemplary wife, mother, Sunday School teacher who loved oil painting, attending Bible Study, playing tennis, rose gardening and serving her church. She was well-known for her fried chicken and banana pudding. She was loved by all who knew her, having lifelong friends and family by her side up until her passing. She never met a stranger or made an enemy.

Frances is pre-deceased by her husband and all her siblings. She leaves behind her two children, William Warren Ashley, Jr. of Crossville, TN and Alice Marie Ashley Patton (husband Steve) of Williamsburg, VA, two beloved grandchildren, William Warren Ashley III and Rachel Ashley Watson (husband Jake) three precious great-grandchildren, Jensen, Hanna, and Jackson. She also leaves behind twenty-two nieces and nephews who were all very dear to Frances.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Crossville, TN where she will be interred with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse or the charity of your choice.