Frances Clary Ross, age 76, passed away on November 19, 2025, at SECU Hospice House, Smithfield, NC. Fran lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
She was born on December 13, 1948, in Edgefield, SC, the daughter of the late Basil Hicks Clary, Sr., and Ruth King Clary of Gaffney, SC. She was predeceased by her husband, H. Fulton Ross, Jr., her brothers Basil Hicks Clary, Jr., of Gaffney, SC, and James B. Clary of Cary, NC. She is survived by a sister, Ruth Clary Sparks (Jack) of Cary, NC; sister-in-law Ann Emory Clary of Gaffney, SC; sister-inlaw Margaret Brown Clary of Cary, NC; nieces and nephews Cathy Littlejohn (Bobby), Debbie Hood (Darrell), Linda Vaughan (Ronald), Buddy Clary (Nancy), Tommy Clary (Genene), Greg Clary (Julie), Mark Clary (Amy), Meredith Sewell (George), Sarah Donovan (Travis), and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, whom she adored.
Fran was a graduate of Gaffney High School, the University of South Carolina (Elementary Education), and Campbell University (M.Ed.). She deeply loved her Gamecocks and grew to tolerate the Tigers because of the allegiance of some of her greatnieces and greatnephews.
Fran taught elementary school for 43 years. She taught in Wheeling, WV, Garner, NC, and most recently at Goucher Elementary, Gaffney, SC. She was honored as Teacher of the Year many times for her dedication to making the lives of the children she loved better. Mrs. Ross was admired and adored by her students and colleagues alike. She was a longtime member of Lime- stone Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully served in many capacities, including as an elder. Fran personified love of neighbor, love of family, and positivity in the face of great adversity.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Limestone Presbyterian Church, Gaffney, SC, with a reception at the church following the service. Private burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Gaffney, SC.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that you honor Fran with a donation to SECU Hospice House, 426 Hospital Road, Smithfield, NC 27577, or Limestone Presbyterian Church, 109 South Limestone Street, Gaffney, SC 29340.
An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com
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