Frances Ray Reed

Frances Ann Ray Reed, 90, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 23, 2023, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Fran, as everyone called her, was born on December 1, 1933 to the late Mary Durham and Ivan Wiseman Ray of Haw River, North Carolina. Most of her childhood was spent in Graham where she graduated from Graham High School.

Fran attended the North Carolina College for Women in Greensboro and graduated in 1955. She had very fond memories of her time at “WC” as she called it.

Fran met the love of her life, Donald Reed “Don”, on a blind date and they were married shortly after in a small ceremony performed by the late Reverend Tom Anderson at First Presbyterian Church on July 19, 1962. They were married nearly 57 happy years before he passed away on June 21, 2018.She was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren who lovingly called her “Nonnie”. She had 6 great grandchildren that she would have adored if Alzheimer’s hadn’t robbed her. She was purposeful in creating memories with her family, that will be cherished. She had a long tradition of preparing family lunches after church on Sundays to bring us all together. She took great care of her home and loved to be outside working in the yard with Don. She was a talented artist in her early years and enjoyed sewing, crafts, needlework, and quilting, giving many gifts to friends and family.

Fran loved people and enjoyed entertaining friends and family in her home. She loved to be involved in many different activities and never turned down an opportunity to go out and have fun. She loved being in the sun and considered the beach her happy place. Her last trip to the beach with the staff and nurses of Twin Lakes put a smile on her face and brought her so much joy.

Fran had a strong faith which she lived daily and for most of her life she was actively involved in First Presbyterian Church Burlington. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and Youth Group leader sharing her faith with young people. She delivered Meals on Wheels to those in need and served her church as a Deacon. She was a Moderator of Presbyterian Women from 2006 – 2008 and received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership Award in 2011.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don. She will be greatly missed by her family and is survived by daughters Suzanne Smith (Garrick) and Catherine Stewart (Gene); grandchildren Lauren Jones (Chris), Rebecca Cummings (Hayes), Sarah McHugh (Will), Logan Stewart (Hollie), Jacob Stewart (Gabi); great grandchildren Hudson Jones, Graham Jones, Stella Cummings, Bristol McHugh, Fletcher Stewart, and Wylder Stewart. She is also survived by a Sister-in-Law Arlene S Ray. She was preceded in death by brothers Jimmie R Ray and Donald Burton Ray “Corky”.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the devoted nurses and staff of Twin Lakes Community for their kind and compassionate care. Fran considered each one of them family and loved them dearly.

A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church for family and friends to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Women or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.