Frances Gathings Ramsey, 96, of 266 Merrimon Avenue, died Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at the St. Joseph Campus of Missions Hospital. She was born October 25, 1911 in Morven, NC as the only child to the late Robert H. and Mae Little Gathings.
She graduated from Morven High School in 1928, from Randolph Macon Women’s College, Lynchburg, VA in 1932 and did graduate studies at the University of North Carolina and the University of Tennessee.
When the first Federal Emergency Relief Programs were started under FDR’s administration in 1932, there was money for programs but none for administration and Frances volunteered to help in her home county of Anson, which led her to a career in Social Work. She worked in Anson County, in Washington, D.C., in Forsyth, Davidson, Burke, Buncombe and Madison County where she was director for 34 years.
Frances came to Asheville in 1942 and maintained a home here for the remainder of her life; she loved the mountains and the people. She was married twice: to Joel C. McCurry and to Joseph F. Ramsey who died in 1970. She is survived by her son: Robert McCurry of Ayden, NC; daughters: Dr. Mary Margaret Ingle and her husband, Ervin of Asheville; Elizabeth Thomas and her husband, Don of Fairview; four grandchildren: David McCurry, Kim I. Everette, Julie T. Orthobee of Apex, NC, David Thomas of Fairview and five great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored.
A Methodist all her life, she was a member of Central United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, where she was active in Sunday school and became a lifetime member of UMW. Mary Margaret, is also a 50 years member.
In 2001, Frances suffered a major stroke soon after her 90th birthday and became a resident of Brooks-Howell Home where she received excellent care. She made many friends among the residents and participated in activities that she was interested in. Her loving children and grandchildren were devoted and one of them came every night to visit and brought snacks and gifts. They, too, became a part of the Brooks-Howell Family.
A memorial service will be held 10:30AM, Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Brooks-Howell Home. Interment will be private.
Memorials can be made to Brooks-Howell Home, 266 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28803.
