Frances Purnell Cameron

1946 - 2025

Mrs. Frances Purnell Cameron, age 78, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, in Savannah, Georgia at St. Joseph's Candler Hospital. She was cradled in love and surrounded by her husband and all 7 of her children.

Born on December 10, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Frances was a native Charlottean where she grew up and raised her family. After that she lived in Athens, Georgia with her husband Mark, and they went on to retire in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Her life was marked by compassion, dedication, her Christian faith, and a deep love for her family and friends. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Queens University in Charlotte, where she laid the foundation for a meaningful and impactful career in healthcare.

Frances devoted more than two decades of her professional life to serving as a hospice nurse in Athens, Georgia. Her work was defined by empathy and grace, offering comfort and dignity to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. Her commitment to caregiving extended beyond her profession and into every aspect of her life.

She was lovingly called 'Franmother' by all of her children and grandchildren. She is warmly remembered by her husband, Dr. Mark Harris Anthony, with whom she shared many years of partnership and devotion. Together they built a large and loving family that remained at the center of Frances's heart.

Frances was the proud mother of seven children: William "Billy" Cameron and his wife Hillary Cameron; Purnell Cameron and his wife Bessie Cameron; Elizabeth Cameron; Donnelly Cameron and his wife Megan Cameron; Caroline Theobald and her husband Jason Theobald; Dr. MacKenzie Puckett and her husband Joel Puckett; and Marci Gunter and her husband Rustan Gunter. Her legacy continues through her fifteen cherished grandchildren: Edie, Billy, Sadie, Leila Bess, Libby Grace, Reid, Kenan, Olivia, Peyton, Laura Frances, Ashley, Josiah, Lydia, Lulah, and Ellison.

Family gatherings were sacred to Frances. She insisted that loved ones come together often-whether for holidays or simple Sunday dinners-believing that time spent with family was life's greatest treasure. Her home was always open and filled with warmth, laughter, and style.

Frances had an adventurous spirit that took her across the globe. She delighted in exploring new places and cultures with enthusiasm and she embraced travel as a way to celebrate life's beauty. Known for her impeccable sense of fashion and flair for fun, Frances brought color and joy wherever she went.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her best-as a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, compassionate nurse, world traveler, fashion enthusiast, and joyful spirit who brought people together.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 20, 2025, at 05:00 p.m. at Port Royal Plantation Beach Club. The address is 45 South Port Royal Dr. Hilton Head, SC 29928.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camp Merrie Woode, which is an organization close to Frances's heart. Camp Merrie Woode, 100 Merrie-Woode Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774 or visit: https://merriewoode.com/alumnae/annual-fund/.