Frances Russell Whiteley's Obituary
Frances Russell Whiteley passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020 at the age of 80. Beloved wife of Frank Reynolds Whiteley, Jr. Loving mother of Annmarie Whiteley Gutter (Dr. Andrew Elliott Gutter) and Frank Reynolds Whiteley III (Conlee Schell Whiteley). Daughter of the late Alene Perdue Russell and Colquitt George Russell. Sister of Alicia Russell Rogers (Harold Rogers). Grandmother of Grant Gutter (Niki Gutter), Barrett Gutter and Frank R. Whiteley, IV. Great-grandmother of Xander Gutter.
Frances was born and raised in Kingsland, Georgia where her parents opened the first husband and wife Chevrolet and Buick dealerships. Growing up she and her sister Alecia spent summers on Amelia Island and she loved the beach throughout her life. She attended Mercer University, where she met her husband Frank. They were married in 1959 and later moved to New Orleans in 1969 where she taught school, first at Fisher, and later at St. John’s Lutheran School for over 20 years. She was beloved by her students and their parents. She served as the principal of St. John’s in 1993. After many years in New Orleans, Frances and Frank moved to Covington where they have resided since 2012.
Frances was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church on Jackson Avenue, New Orleans. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and a Daughter of the American Revolution. She was also involved in the St. Tammany Art Association in Covington, Louisiana.
Frances was known for the beautiful gardens which she designed and maintained in each of their homes, her sense of style, decorative flair, and for her delicious holiday meals. She was blessed with a quick wit, creative nature, and unmatched determination. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
All funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Mrs. Frances Whiteley to be made to the American Cancer Society. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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