Frances Ader Read

1936 - 2025

Frances Ader Read, 89, passed away peacefully on October 31 at Hillside Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family who loved her dearly.

Born on March 30, 1936 in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Frances lived a life full of care, compassion, and kindness. She was a proud graduate of the fourth class to graduate from the UNC School of Nursing. Thus began a career that would span over 40 years of service to her community as a public health nurse in Wake County-NC, Tennessee, Virginia, and South Carolina. Through her dedicated work, Frances touched countless lives with compassion, wisdom, and attention to detail in giving all patients the very best care. Frances believed that every person deserved kindness and dignity. She remained in close contact with the UNC School of Nursing and always encouraged young nurses to pursue their dreams as she had.

Frances was predeceased by her loving husband of 57 years, Henry McIlwaine Read Sr., parents; Annie Elizabeth Hammack Ader and Ottis Ladeau Ader, sister, Nancy Anne Ader Ragland, brother-in-law Charles James Ragland Jr. and brother-in-law Fitzhugh Trezvant Read.

Frances leaves behind a loving family including her oldest son Henry McIlwaine Read Jr. (Hank); daughter-in-law Cammie Read, grandson Connor Read, granddaughter-in-law Chelsea Read, and her youngest son, John Ladeau Read. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Finley Read and wife Ruth, nephew David Ragland, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Many dear friends called themselves "family" because that's how they were loved and treated by Frances and Henry.

Frances Read was known to some as "Franny", because she was a second mother/grandmother to many and the dearest friend to many others. Her home was a gathering place that was rarely quiet. From lively games of dominoes and Bunco to quiet conversations or puzzles, her home was a haven of friendship and fun. Some loved ones came there for needed hugs, laughter, or to celebrate nothing or everything. Regardless, they always left filled with more love and happiness than they arrived with. She was that kind of mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend.

Frances was a long-time member of Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, Midtowne Service League, and was a loyal supporter of many charitable organizations.

Her legacy of love, professional service, and kindness will continue to inspire all who passed through her life.

A celebration of her life will be held at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 7506 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC at 11 a.m. on November 11, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the UNC School of Nursing Frances A. Read Scholarship fund (The University of North Caroliina at Chapel Hill, 301C Carrington Hall, Campus Box #7460, Chapel Hill, NC 27599), Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church (7506 Falls of Neuse Rd. Raleigh NC 27615), Transitions Lifecare Center (250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh NC 27607) , or the charity of your choice.