Frances Gattis (3-9-14) service 3-12-14

Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Willard Farris Gattis, 98, of Jackson, S.C., was welcomed into the arms of our Lord, Sunday, March 9. Services were conducted Wednesday, March 12 at 11 a.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church in Jackson, S.C. The Rev. Gene Aiken conducted. Interment followed at Jackson Memorial Park in South Carolina.

Mrs. Gattis was a native of Crump, having made Jackson, S.C. her home for the past 58 years. She retired as a school teacher with the Aiken County School System after 28 years of joyous service. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Jackson, S.C. for the past 58 years where she was honored as “Woman of the Year” for 2013 by the Bethel United Methodist Women.

Church and community were an important part of her life. Her contributions to the town and people of Jackson, S.C. were recognized in having her serve as grand marshal in the 2012 Jackson Christmas Parade.

“Faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love.” The love for her family was unequaled. Mrs. Gattis was preceded in death by her husband, William Sherrill Gattis Sr.

Survivors included two sons and daughters-in-law, Dan and Diane Gattis, of Jackson, S.C. and William and Carol Gattis Jr., of Aiken, S.C.; four daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret and Tommy Jack Jerrolds, Diane Newby, all of Savannah, Shirley and Jimmy Weathersbee of Jackson, S.C. and Judy and Don Portanova, Orlando, Fla.; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

“With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Women, P.O. Box 497, Jackson, S.C. 29831.