Frances Stewart Arrington Gay

Surrounded by her family, Martha Frances Stewart Arrington Gay, 90, a beloved and cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully transitioned into her Heavenly home Saturday morning, October 12, 2024, at her residence. Born on January 19, 1934, she was a lifelong resident of Matthews, Georgia, where she made indelible marks on the hearts of those privileged to know her.

Frances was industrious and dedicated, taking on various local jobs throughout her life. She found immense joy in babysitting her grandchildren and other family members, sewing for both family and friends, and providing hairdressing services to her sisters and neighbors. Her vocational pursuits reflected not only her strong work ethic but also her desire to care for those around her.

Frances attended Matthews School through the eighth grade before dedicating herself to assisting on the family farm. This formative experience instilled in her virtues of resilience and determination, qualities she carried throughout her life. Known affectionately by her family as "The Boss," "The Supervisor," or "The CEO," she was straightforward in her approach, never mincing words and always communicating with clarity.

Frances embraced her faith early in life, accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a camp meeting at Mt. Moriah. When health permitted, she attended the Church of God. Her strong, caring, and loving personality left a profound impact on those around her, and she was regarded as a great mother, sister, and friend. She had a remarkable ability to treat her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children, reflecting her boundless love for family.

Throughout her life, Frances faced tragedy with great strength and faith. After the unexpected loss of her first husband, Robert Rouse Arrington, in 1963, she married Charlie Ferman Gay in 1967, celebrating a union that lasted 41 years when she once again faced loss with his passing in 2008. Throughout all of life’s trials, she embodied resilience and grace.

Frances enjoyed many hobbies that brightened her spirit. Widely known for her culinary skills, particularly her elaborate Sunday dinners and cakes baked from scratch, she cherished the moments spent cooking for her family. She loved attending gospel sings and listening to gospel music. Frequently seen with her sister, the two shared countless delightful adventures, such as enjoying ice cream at Dairy Queen or riding their golf cart in the yard and surrounding fields. 

Her passion for the outdoors was palpable as she often found joy in sitting on the swing with her sister and tending to her yard. When not outside, she could be found watching her favorite soap operas and working on word search puzzles, engaging in leisurely activities that brought her comfort and relaxation.

Frances was preceded in death by both of her loving husbands, Robert Rouse Arrington and Charlie Ferman Gay; her parents, Nancy Gertrude Stewart and Lucius Lee Stewart; and her siblings, Robert Stewart, Pete Stewart, Milton Stewart, and Gladys Whited. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through her children, Steve Arrington (Teresa) and Anita Maruca (Dean); her grandchildren, Lee-Ann Watson, Stephanie Huff (Justin), Sarah Tiner (Curtis), Amber Morrison (Terry), Megan Garcia (Benito), and Trent Maruca; as well as her great-grandchildren, Lauren Watson, Charleigh Tiner, Declan Tiner, and Lillie Sue Morrison. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Rosa Lee Kitchens, along with other extended family and friends who will remember her with great affection. Those honored to be pallbearers are her grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00PM Thursday afternoon, October 17, 2024 with the Reverends Theresa Bentley and Jason Burton officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest between her husbands in the Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church 

Frances’ remarkable journey through life touched many, and she will be profoundly missed yet warmly remembered.