Frances Blackwell “Fran” Alley

Frances Blackwell “Fran” Alley died peacefully on December 8 after a long life. Fran was born in Tryon, N.C., on June 20, 1921, the second of six children. She lived the longest of all of her siblings. During WWII, Fran enlisted in the Woman’s Air Corp, where she served as a control tower operator and was honored as a “WAC of the Week” during her service. After WWII, Fran met and married William (Bill) Alley, a WWII pilot. Fran and Bill were married for 57 years, until Bill’s death in 2007. Fran and Bill had two children to whom, along with her husband, she was completely devoted. They lived all over the country, though they spent most of their time in North Palm Beach, FL. After Bill’s death, Fran moved to Tucson to be closer to Kristen and her husband, Davis Golding and remained there until her death. Fran will be remembered for her great character, her Southern grace and her unflagging sense of humor: she could look straight ahead with one eye and cross the other much to the amazement and delight of any observer. Fran leaves behind two very sad children, John Alley and Kristen Alley, and a very sad son in law, Davis Golding. Services to celebrate Fran’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 30, at Thos. Shepherd’s Church Street Chapel, with burial services to follow immediately in Shepherd Memorial Park. An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.