Frances Anne Gorham Stewart, 82, of Winston-Salem passed away on November 9, 2023. She was born May 26, 1941, in Rocky Mount to the late George and Janie Gorham. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death an older baby sister.

She married R.O. Stewart in 1973. He passed away in 1980.

Known by her friends as Fran, she is survived by many cousins, “The Gang”- Barbara Bedwell, Roger Lail, Paul McCraw, Nancy and Barry Robinson, Freda and Gene Schlaman, Jane Suitt and Ruth Ann and Bryan Timmons. Special friends: Becky Mays, Roy Faw Sr., Roy Faw Jr.(deceased). Pat and Ken James and Tonya Woods.

Fran attended Rocky Mount Schools and went on to pursue higher education at Meredith College and earned a master’s degree at the University of Arizona.

After graduating from Meredith, she came to Winston-Salem and taught in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth Schools for 10 years. Frances also worked part time at the local Sears store, retiring after 20 years. She worked at the original Wachovia Bank in several branch offices, completing 18 years of service. In all three workplaces, she met  and became friends with a number of special people.  Fran enoyed reading, yard work, friendships, and her family.

Fran was a member of First Baptist Church on Fifth Street, where she dedicated much of her time and talents.  She was an active member of Baptist Women Circle #5, taught several children's Sunday School classes, served on several committees, sang with the Singing Seniors, was a prayer partner, and at the time of her death, was an active Deacon.

A celebration of life will be held at 3pm Tues., Dec. 5 at First Baptist Church.   A reception will follow in Kelly Auditorium.   A graveside service will be held at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount, NC at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, Crisis Control, Second Harvest Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.