Frances Thagard

Frances Marion Swilling Thagard, 82, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025, at Abundant Christian Living in Johnson City.

She was a kind and gentle soul, fun-loving, playful and a little shy. She loved to laugh.

Although she will be missed by everyone she left behind including her dedicated caregivers at Abundant Christian Living, Christian Assisted Living of Johnson City and Cornerstone Caregiving, she will be most missed by her heartbroken daughter, Carol.

But all who loved "Frannie" can take comfort in the fact she is safe in the arms of her Savior and reunited with her loving husband, eldest daughter, mom and dad, sister, and many most beloved dogs and cats.

Fran was born on Dec. 24, 1942, in Alabama, later moving to Miami, Florida, and she remembered riding her bicycle to the Orange Bowl when she was a small child. Her family later moved to a grove in the small community of Perrine, Florida, where they grew avocados and mangoes, and Fran had a pet chicken AND a horse. Lucky girl.

She married the love of her life, James Albert Thagard, when she was just 17 at Perrine-Peters United Methodist Church. A mom at 20, she raised two daughters with Jim, working numerous jobs, making innumerable home-cooked dinners, and sharing in adventures from Miami to Michigan to Mountain City and all points in between.

Stricken with a brain tumor in her 30s, she was left mostly paralyzed on her right side, but she fought her way back, switching to her left hand and even learning to use a one-handed, left-handed typewriter so she could stay employed. After physical therapy, she was always a little weaker on her right side, but no one would ever know by looking at her what she had endured to get back to that point.

Always up for a good joke, before her operation she asked the strait-laced surgeon if she would be able to play the piano. "Of course, dear," the surgeon comforted her. "Good," Mom replied. "Because I've never played piano before." The surgeon was left speechless as Dad, a neurosurgeon friend and nurses roared with laughter.

Left to cherish such memories as this are Fran's youngest daughter, Carol Thagard Broyles and her husband, Alan; younger sister Linda Swilling Regan; and cousins David and Diane Morris. Also special friends Glenn and Kathy James and Michelle "Rocket" Slade.

A visitation will be held on Sunday February 2, 2025 at Morris Baker Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a celebration of Frances' life to follow at 6:00 PM at Morris Baker Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service in the Oak Hall at Morris Baker Funeral Home. Rev. Ginger Isom of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church will be officiating.

Her ashes will be interred later beside those of her husband of 62 years, James, and alongside her daughter Patricia, and mother and father, Grace and Frank Swilling, at Brooksville Cemetery in Brooksville, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is serving the Thagard family. (423) 282-1521