Joan Francine "Fran" Thomas

Joan Francine "Fran" Thomas obituary, Ayden, NC

Joan Francine "Fran" Thomas

Joan Thomas Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Farmer Funeral Service - Ayden on Aug. 14, 2025.

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Joan Francine "Fran" Cannon Thomas, 84, passed away after a brief illness at her home surrounded by family on August 8, 2025.

A memorial graveside service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 1 PM at Ayden Cemetery.

Fran was born in Ayden on June 2, 1941, to the late James Ottis, Sr. and Edna Moye Cannon. She graduated from Ayden High School and earned her bachelor's degree from East Carolina College. Fran dedicated her career to the Employment Security Commission. She was a loving sister, stepmother, aunt, step-grandmother, great-aunt, and friend. Fran was a caring person who deeply loved her family.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her husband, Benjamin Thomas; sister, Shelba Cannon Swiggard; niece, Donna Suzanne Swiggard and beloved nephew James Richard Cannon.

She is survived by her brother, Jimmy Cannon (Sarah) of Youngsville, NC; special sister-in-law, Wanda Warren (Vernon) of Ayden, NC; step-children, Ben Thomas III (Cathy) of Ayden, NC, Jean Thomas of Greene County, NC, and Adam Thomas (Mary-Catherine) of Carteret County; step-grandchildren, Paige Thomas Parks (Jesse), Chadwick Thomas, Jessica L. Edwards, and Reilly Edwards; great nephew, Xander Cannon; and great nieces, Peyton Cannon, Brooklyn Cannon, and Jordan Cannon.

A special thanks to her in home caregivers, Jean Thomas and Jessica Edwards.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gentiva Hospice, 1003 Red Banks Road, Suite B, Greenville, NC 27858.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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